In 1922 the Shriners founded the first Shriners Hospitals for Children in Shreveport, Louisiana. Since then this unique philanthropy has grown to an extraordinary health system with 22 facilities in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Shriners Hospitals for Children is changing lives every day through innovative pediatric specialty care, world-class research and outstanding medical education. Our hospitals provide advanced care for children with orthopaedic conditions, burns, spinal cord injuries, and cleft lip and palate.
In order to continue our mission, Shriners Hospitals for Children relies on the generous donations of Shriners and the general public. We are a 501(c)3 non-profit organization and all donations are tax deductible to the fullest extent permitted by law.
Each July, Shriners from around the world come together for their annual business meeting, known as Imperial Session. During the week-long event, held in a different host city each year, members meet to discuss and vote on business matters of Shriners International and Shriners Hospitals for Children®. The fraternity also hosts a variety of family-friendly events that are open to the public, including a parade, which is the world’s largest Shriners parade of the year. The week ends with the installation of the new Imperial Potentate (CEO) of Shriners International.