LAKE HAVASU CITY – The International Order of the Rainbow for Girls in Arizona is empowering the young women of the Lake Havasu community. Last week, the nonprofit group hosted a charitable Bunco Fundraiser.
The event took place on Monday May 13th at 6pm at the Aquatic Center.The history of this youth service organization dates all the way back to 1922 with Reverend W. Mark Sexson.
Sexson was a Freemason of McAlester, Oklahoma who worked closely with DeMolay International, the fraternal organization for young men ages twelve to twenty one that came to be in 1919. Sexson thought that a similar organization should be created for young women, as he thought an organization would be beneficial to a young woman’s self-esteem during their formative years.
It used to be that in order to obtain membership of the group, being related to an Eastern Star or Master Mason was required. However, throughout the years, that rule is no longer mandatory as the group welcomes all young women who are interested in joining.
They can simply submit an application and required fees to an Assembly. member of the Assembly will then meet with the parents or guardians and undergo a screening process to make sure that they are the right fit to join the group.
Parents must agree to all the terms of the group before their daughter can officially be a member. In the early 1950s, their International Temple headquarters home base was built in McAlester, Oklahoma. Throughout the decades, the group has expanded their assemblies to forty six states in the United States as well as countries outside of the U.S. such as Italy, Canada, New South Wales, Australia, and several others.
The Rainbow Girl organization teaches young ladies ages 10 to 20 confidence, social skills, and developing a caring nature towards others. They also offer opportunities for scholarships and state leadership roles and teach the young girls about event planning and public speaking skills.
Their Lake Havasu meetings take place the first and third Tuesday of each month. More information about the location of meetings can be found out by emailing Mother Advisor of the group Alicia Fernandez at acfernandez71@gmail.com.
More than just a game, their fundraiser was a community service event complete with food and beverage purchases, and raffle drawings. Tickets were $15 per person which were admission fees that benefited the Student Assistance Program of the Havasu Community Health Foundation.
Aside from the organization’s mission to empower young women for their adult life ahead, they also encourage strong friendships, and lifetime memories.
Phaedra Veronique
