Pythian Charities
The real common thread throughout the Knights of Pythias involves our commitment to help people; when asked what we do, we answer quite simply: We volunteer! We help people! This common thread shows itself in everything we do.
We support many charitable institutions, financially amd by volunteering. Among them are:
Pythian Humanitarian Fund
The Knights of Pythias Humanitarian Fund is the main fund-raising committee of the New York Grand Lodge. The Humanitarian Fund raises funds chiefly through raffles solicitation of donations and an annual fundraising Brunch to supplement and benefit the NY Grand Lodge work in humanitarian, community-service and charitable organizations. The Humanitarian Fund distributes about $35,000 annually to Pythian charities, including
- Servicemen and Veteran's Committee
- Camp Sunrise
- Pythian Camp
- Double H Hole in the Wall Camp
- Diabetes Research Association
- Pythian Scholarship
Because awareness of Diabetes is a major concern of Pythians the Diabetes Research Association was established in 1997 to help fund research to find a cure.
The Pythian Diabetes Research Association has become the largest single fundraising committee in the Grand Lodge.
It supports the nationally recognized Diabetes Research Foundation as well as the American Diabetes Association.
Through fundraising events like local golf tournaments, table at street fairs, sale of merchandise, the Pythian Diabetes Research Association has been able to raise and donate over $500,000 to diabetes research groups since its inception.
Pythian Camp has a long tradition of sending underprivileged children to summer camp.
The Pythian Camp fund was started and incorporated in 1942. Though the physical camp was sold in 1992, the proceeds of the sale allowed the New York State Pythians to set up a foundation which has funded camp tuition for thousands of boys and girls.
Each year the Pythian camp sends about 100 children to a camp that they would not ordinarily have access to.
These camps, located in New York and New Jersey, are operated by state and private agencies specifically for children from underprivileged home.
Interested parties should contact their local lodge or the Grand Lodge.
Dr. Morris Smoller Social Service Fund
The Morris Smoller Social Service fund, established in memory of Dr. Morris Smoller, had its beginning in 1983 and benefits NYS Pythians and their families. The Smoller fund has contributed hundreds of thousands of dollars to nursing homes, rehabilitation facilities with short and long term rehab and hospices located in New York and Florida. These contributions have paved the way for access to these care centers more accessible for the families of Pythians throughout New York.
The Smoller Fund supports the following health related services. The Sephardic Home, Metropolitan Jewish Geriatric, Odd Fellows & Rebekah Home, Jewish Home & Hospital for the Aged: (a) East 106th St. (b) Fordham, Hebrew Hospital & Home Inc., L.I. Jewish Geriatric (Parker), United Hebrew Geriatric Center, Workmans Circle, Calvary Fund, Bealystocker Home, Jewish Home of Rochester, Daughters of Sarah Nursing Home, Metropolitan Hospice of Greater N.Y., The Jewish Hospice of L. I. N.Y., Riverdale Home for the Aged.
Pythian members and their families who are in need of these services, please contact Grand Lodge.
The Knights of Pythias supports the Special Olympics through fundraising and volunteering at events.
Other Charities
Drug and Substance Abuse Programs
Knights on Wheels
New Eyes for the Needy and Hearing Aids
Coat for Kids/ Those in Need
Pythian Youth Programs
American Cancer Society
Other Local and National Organizations