Tebala Shrine, which is one of the 195 affiliate member Shrine centers of the International Shrine Fraternity, has been in the greater Rockford area since 1894. While Shriners are generally recognized for their colorful Parade units and red Fezzes, there is a much less known but far more important side to this fraternity. Shriners are a brotherhood of men committed to family, engaged in ongoing personal growth, and dedicated to providing care for children and families in need. Their backgrounds are diverse, but they are bound together by shared values and a desire to have fun, do good and build relationships that last a lifetime. Membership in the Shrine now extends to seven countries in North America, Germany and the Philippines. When having fun in their respective communities Shriners always keep in mind their goal of providing care for Children.

Shriners Hospitals for Children were founded in 1922 with the goal of providing expert medical care for children with no financial burden to the patients or their families. Today that philanthropic effort supports 22 hospitals across the U.S., Canada and Mexico, treating children up to 18 years of age who have orthopedic conditions, burns, spinal cord injuries, and cleft lip and palate. Their advanced care is provided in a family-centered environment that is focused on maximizing a child’s quality of life, regardless of a family’s ability to pay. As part of its mission, Tebala Shrine Center provides financial underwriting and other support to children from the community who qualify for treatment at Shriners Hospitals for Children.

Tebala Shrine holds several fund raising activities each year to continue to support the local Shrine Center. Some of the best known are its Vidalia onion sales in April and a Sportsmans Raffle in November. They also hold many other events and dinners throughout the year and most are open to the public.

Shrine Units and Clubs can be seen throughout the area participating in local parades in their signature red Fez and colorful costumes riding and marching for the enjoyment of all. Much of the funds generated from these activities are used to support the Hospital.

Tebala Shrine Center has become one of the premier conference and reception facilities in the Rockford area. Its modern design, flexible layout, and updated technology lends well to a great number of organizations and individuals looking for that “special place” to rent for an event.

For more information concerning Tebala Shrine and Tebala Shrine Center contact them at 7910 Newburg Road, Rockford, IL 61108; at tebala.com or by calling 815-332-2010.