The Iola Masonic Lodge No. 38 gave LaHarpe organizers a $300 check Tuesday, part of the organizations assistance with a successful citywide fund drive to raise $10,000 for a number of improvements around town.
The $10,000 will be matched by another $10,000 from the Kansas Health Foundation, with proceeds to add a new water fountain and park benches at LaHarpe City Park, construction of a new BMX bike track and reintroducing the annual LaHarpe Day celebration in June.
The Masonic Lodges 90 members do other of civic efforts throughout Allen County, including providing $10,000 in scholarships to area high school seniors this year as well as donations to Hope Unlimited and Iola Community Pantry. Statewide, the Masons donated a combined $2.1 million last year.
The Masonic Lodge also was instrumental in the development and accreditation of $25 million to the Kansas Masonic Cancer Research Institute at the University of Kansas.
