Right Eminent Troy W. Cole, Grand Commander of the Grand Commandery Knights Templar of Arkansas, announced a program at the Grand Session in March to make Arkansas a 100% Life Sponsorship state in the Knight Templar Eye Foundation, Inc. program, the Grand Encampment’s charity. At the time of the Grand Session, five of Arkansas’ thirteen commanderies had 100% of their Sir Knights signed up as Life Sponsors with the KTEF.

As a point of reference, Arkansas has approximately 620 Templar members; of that number, 394 (or 63.4%) are KTEF life sponsors. REGC Cole’s program will increase those numbers by making new life sponsors eligible to receive a FREE JEWEL that can be worn on their Commandery uniform.

What’s the KTEF? It’s the charity that the Knights Templars sponsor. Their officialmission statement is “to improve vision through research, education, and supporting access to care.” This charity helps others with vision problems.

What is a Life Sponsor? It is a SK who has donated a one-time contribution of $30 to the KTEF. Your Grand Commander wishes that all AR SK be a Life sponsor. Because you are not a Life Sponsor, your Commandery pays more Per Capita for you. The Life Sponsorship is a SK that makes a one-time donation of $30 to a great charity, and it is tax deductible. With this one-time donation of $30 you will receive this jewel that you can wear on your uniform.

The real meaning of the Knight Templar Eye Foundation and Life Sponsorship is to help others with vision problems. As Masons and Knight Templers, we are to assist those in need, and this program helps those with vision problems.