Member Profile: Mickey Ganitch
The 50-year Mason, Pearl Harbor survivor, and centenarian looks back on a life particularly well lived.
DONOR PROFILE
FARES KHOURY
3-YEAR MASTER MASON IRVINE VALLEY LODGE NO. 671 GRAND MASTER CIRCLE DONOR
By Justin Japitana
California Freemason: You’re the CEO of the American Advocacy Group nonprofit, which provides legal and financial support for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. How did your background in Masonry dovetail with that work?
Fares Khoury: The Masonic craft has greatly influenced our mission at American Advocacy Group. Since the inception of AAG, we have envisioned a world where people with developmental and intellectual disabilities lead lives that are healthy, safe, and full of great opportunities for themselves and their families. Making an impact and touching lives in a positive way is what makes a Mason. My Masonic values are the cornerstone of that vision.
CFM: Why do you feel it’s important to give to the California Masonic Foundation?
FK: Personally, the vision of the California Masonic Foundation resonates with my core values. Masons uphold a strong moral code. The Foundation assists communities by teaching valuable lessons rooted in tradition, which I believe has been dwindling in recent years.
CFM: Do you view charitable giving in the context of your Masonic obligation?
FK: Masons give. We give ourselves to the craft. We give our time and energy to our communities. We give our aging brothers and sisters resources to rest after a lifetime of good work. Masons built a legacy of giving to support our brethren and Masonic family in times of need. It’s just what we do, and I know that’s what being a Mason is all about. It helps to better men at every aspect of life, develop stronger communities, and ultimately transform the world into a better place.
To give to the California Masonic Foundation, visit masonicfoundation.org
More from this issue:
Strong as Ever, 100 Years Later
Grand Master John Trauner reflects on the historical precedent for Masonic support of public schools.
Teacher Knows Best
Former national Teacher of the Year Award winner Rebecca Mieliwocki explains how outside organizations can make a meaningful difference in local schools—no strings attached.