Stamford’s Union Lodge No. 5 A.F. & A.M. hosted their second annual scholarship fundraiser, “The Mason’s Secret Ball”, on Saturday, October 22.  Over seventy-five participants, including attendees and donors, joined together to make the ball and fundraiser a huge success!  The gala event was held at The Water’s Edge at Giovanni’s, located at 2748 Post Road in Darien.  Open to the public as well as the brothers, the ball continued a tradition of excellence, excitement, and fun for the organization and the community!

Worshipful Master Jon Ringel, Worshipful Brother Stephen Petri, and Brother Sam Maurer planned and coordinated the event, with the assistance of several other brothers.  Brother Thomas Burke managed the public relations for the event, including press releases, social media and poster creation.  Music was provided by Roxy Perry, “New York Blues Queen”; Roxy was a 2009 Blues Hall of Fame inductee and she and her band played a variety of songs, from slower dance numbers to songs that rocked the house and brought everyone onto the dance floor. 

The highlight of the evening was the silent auction which featured a variety of donated items ranging from professional design and stylist services by Ruth Stiefel, a visit to Noelle day spa, a surprise gift from Nagi Jewelers, a child’s toy from Stamford Toys, tickets to shows at both Curtain Call and Bridgeport Theater Company, Heineken kegs and chiller/dispenser from Heineken USA, water filtration systems from KX Technologies, and gift certificates for service at Oil Star Oil Change Center in Stamford, Parkway Diner, Mr. C’s Fix-Up Shop, and Vic’s Liquor on High Ridge.  One item at the auction generated the most competition: an original drawing both initialed and signed by Andy Warhol with a Certificate of Authenticity, which was donated anonymously.  The ball and silent auction brought in a net profit of over $2,500 for the scholarship fund, exceeding the previous year’s result!

The fundraiser ball was conceived as a way to support Union Lodge No. 5’s annual scholarship program.  In 2011, Rachel Winsor, a graduating senior from Stamford High School, was awarded $1,000 to further her studies as an entering freshman at the University of Connecticut.  The success of the ball allows Union Lodge No. 5 to continue, and even perhaps to expand, the scholarship program.  Union Lodge No. 5 A.F. & A.M. was founded in 1763 and is located at 47 Kirkham Place in Stamford.  For more information, please visit www.unionlodge5.org.