On Thursday, June 6, 2004, the Milwaukee Children’s Dyslexia Center (CDC) held an impressive and heartwarming ceremony honoring the 10 students graduating from the program this year. The event, attended by over 100 guests, was a celebration of the students’ hard work and accomplishments in overcoming the challenges of dyslexia.
Illustrious Norm Christensen, 33rd, Chairman of the CDC, opened the ceremony expressing pride and admiration for all the students in the program, particularly the 10 graduates of the class of 2024. He commended their perseverance and dedication, which culminated in this significant achievement. He also highlighted the CDC’s reliance on community support, mentioning its annual budget of over $175,000, funded through generous donations from charitable foundations, Scottish Rite Masonic Brothers, and the community at large.
Valley Secretary Mike Reindl demonstrated this fraternal support by handing over a check for $1,480 (pictured above). This amount represented the combined donations from the Brother of the Valley of Milwaukee, who had generously contributed additional funds with their 2024 annual dues, earmarked specifically for the CDC.
The ceremonies philanthropic spirit continued with the presentation by illustrious Don Childers, 33rd, who handed over a substantial check for $15,000 on behalf of the CS Giving Foundation. The donation was part of the proceeds from the Foundation’s recent Sportsmen’s Night held on April 27, 2024. Illustrious Brother Don , along with Scottish Rite Brothers Paul Tourville, Jeremy Koss, and Jim Becker, founded the CS Giving Foundation in 2006 with a mission to provide education and support to underprivileged children and adults. Their long-standing support of the CDC has been instrumental in helping the center to continue its vital work.
Following these generous contributions, illustrious Norm Christensen introduced CDC Center Director Sally Weber, who took on the role of Master of Ceremonies for the evening. Sally introduced two students and three parents, who shared their personal and emotional stories about how the Milwaukee CDC had transformed their lives. Their testimonies highlighted the significant impact of the Center’s tutoring services and helping them overcome the challenges posed by dyslexia. These moving speeches left in the audience wiping away tears, underscoring the profound difference the CDC has made in the lives of these families.
Sally Weber also introduced the dedicated tutors who had worked tirelessly with the students. The tutors received a standing ovation from the audience, a well-deserved acknowledgment of their hard work and commitment. Their efforts have been crucial in providing the specialized support that the students needed to succeed.
The event was held at the CDC‘s new location in the lower level of the George Washington Masonic Center at 517 E. Beaumont Ave. in Whitefish Bay. The Milwaukee CDC moved into this newly remodelEd facility in early 2024, designed specifically to accommodate their programming needs. This new space symbolizes a fresh chapter for the CDC, providing an enhanced environment for learning and support.
After the graduation ceremony, attendees were invited to tour the new facility and enjoy refreshments provided by the Milwaukee CDC. The tours allowed guests to see firsthand the state-of-the-art resources available to the students and to appreciate the thoughtful design of the new space. The evening concluded on a joyous note, with attendees celebrating the graduates‘ achievements and the community’s ongoing support for the CDC mission.
The graduation ceremony not only marked the end of a significant chapter for the graduates, but also highlighted the collective effort and support of the Masonic community and the wider public. The event was a powerful reminder of the positive impact that community support and dedicated educational programs have on the lives of children with dyslexia.
