The Afifi Shriners Have Found the Roadmap for Success

The crowd lit up as Team Afifi of the Afifi Shriners crossed the finish line last August at the Portland-to-Coast relay, an offshoot of the iconic Hood-to-Coast race. Known as the “Mother of All Relays,” the race spans 132 miles and is the largest walking relay race in the world. Twelve walkers supported by drivers and volunteers trekked leg after leg for over 36 hours – all to raise awareness for the Shriners International fraternity and its philanthropy.

Team leader Noble Pat Edwards recalled the excitement at the finish line. “The announcer called, ‘Here comes Afifi Feet on the Street, walking for Shriners Children’s!’ and spectators lining the street roared,” he said. “With our vans and team shirts emblazoned with our logos, it was terrific exposure for the fraternity. Even better, we put the spotlight on Shriners Children’s and the life-changing care for patients at the Shriners Children's Portland and Shriners Children's Spokane hospitals, which Afifi supports.”

The Shriners, Masons and family members who made up Team Afifi were amazed by how many people they met along the way who shared personal stories about a father or grandfather being a Shriner or about a family member who benefited from care at one of the hospitals or clinics. “Those moments were special and reminded us of the impact our philanthropy has on so many lives,” said Pat.

Making Connections Across the Pacific Northwest

With a jurisdiction spanning an impressive 14,016 square miles, encompassing 11 counties across Southwest Washington, Afifi has played an integral role in the growth of the fraternity in the Pacific Northwest for over 130 years.

But all those miles create challenges for this small but mighty temple, said Past Potentate Ray Zimmerman. Because Afifi’s jurisdiction is so large – 154 miles north to south and 174 miles east to west – it can be difficult to bring everyone together for temple-wide events. “Many nobles drive two or three hours just to attend a stated meeting or support a fundraiser,” he said. “That’s why our clubs are the key to making connections within the local communities.”

The Columbia River Club, Grays Harbor Club and the World Famous Afifi Clowns Unit are just a few of the active clubs and units at the heart of the temple. Whether it's participating in parades, hosting tailgates and barbecues, or fundraising for Shriners Children's, Afifi’s members look for every occasion for camaraderie and community impact.

“Our clubs are always looking for new opportunities for pathways into the community,” said Potentate Rick Johnson. Afifi’s participation in the Hood-to-Coast relay is just one of many events designed to engage members, attract new ones and raise funds for the healthcare system, he said.

Another successful event is Afifi’s sponsorship of a youth football league in the Vancouver area. Nearly 100 miles away, in Centralia, a social held at a car museum raised funds for Shriners Children’s and gave Rick the opportunity to speak with a young man who became very interested in joining the fraternity. “When we’re out in the community, wearing our fezzes, we get approached by strangers who are curious to learn more,” he said. “It’s incredibly heartwarming to share our mission and a real success if we can invite young men to join us.”

Finding a Home to Make a Difference

Rick knows just what that’s like. Eight years ago, he was looking for a way to give back to his community, and an internet search led him to the Shriners fraternity. “I’m a product of BeAShrinerNow.com,” said Rick. After a cup of coffee with a Shriner, he was hooked. “I am a firm believer that, if you have something to offer your community, you should make yourself available. I am proud that our nobles are very active and live the mission,” he said.

Afifi Recorder Gordon Johnson shares that mindset. “I deeply respect what Shriners Children’s does for kids, and I really wanted to be a part of that. Being able to support Masons and Shriners is very important to me.” He adds that he is honored to be part of the effort to grow Afifi’s membership and visibility. He offers simple yet effective advice: “Invite lodge brothers and friends to participate in civic parades and events. It’s a great way to spark interest and showcase what it means to be a Shriner.”

Looking Ahead

In a couple of months, Team Afifi will lace up their sneakers and start walking down the coast, once again putting the spotlight on the fraternity and the healthcare system.

Whether walking for a cause, delighting crowds in parades, or supporting Shriners Children’s, Afifi nobles embody the values and traditions that define the Shriners fraternity.

“We’re proud of our history and the impact we’ve had on our region,” said Ray. “As we look to the future, we’re excited to build on that legacy and inspire the next generation of Shriners to join us in our mission.”