In 2008, an exciting press conference announcement unveiled a historic new level of partnership in cancer research and treatment. Minnesota Masons answered the challenge from the University of Minnesota and pledged $65 million dollars as a commitment to find the cure...

Minnesota Masons and members of the Order of the Eastern Star have been giving to the University of Minnesota with generosity and compassion since 1955, when they committed to raising half the funds needed to build an 80-bed hospital for terminally ill cancer patients.

Since then, Minnesota Masons and Stars have generously provided $20 million to support cancer research, education, and patient care, including $5 million to build the Masonic Cancer Research Building. That four-story building, completed in 1996, is home to the University′s nationally known Cancer Center, one of just 39 comprehensive cancer centers recognized by the National Cancer Institute.

In honor of the partnership′s half-century milestone, the Masons, through the Masonic Cancer Center Fund, embarked in 2005 on another ambitious fund-raising campaign, Partners for Life. Supported with a dollar-for-dollar matching grant in 2006 by their parent philanthropy, Minnesota Masonic Charities, the Masons set a campaign goal of $10 million. Those funds will be used to build a new Masonic Cancer Clinic and establish an endowment to ensure continuing annual support of research, education, and patient care at the University.

Now, by making an extraordinary gift of $65 million the largest gift ever made to the University - the Masons of Minnesota have given a total of $100 million to secure the University′s expertise in cancer care and research.

Milestones in Masons support of U of M Cancer research and care

1955: Masonic Cancer Center Fund founded, $1 million raised to build the 80-bed Masonic Memorial Hospital (dedicated in 1958)

1960: (and again in 1986) the University of Minnesota conferred its highest honor, the Regents award, upon the Masonic Fraternity

2005: Masonic Cancer Center Fund begins the Partners for Life (PFL) campaign to raise Ten Million Dollars for a new state-of-the-art cancer clinic

2006: Masonic Cancer Center Fund becomes a Heritage Charity as part of the family of Minnesota Masonic Charities. Minnesota Masonic Charities commits to supporting the Partners for Life fund-raising campaign.

2008: The Masons of Minnesota pledge $65 million the largest gift ever given to the University of Minnesota bringing a total commitment in gifts and pledges of $100 million to secure the University′s expertise in cancer care and research.