Fundraising

The following excerpt from our Hawaii Masonic Code, deals with something near and dear to our hearts. The financial well being of our Lodges and/or to support Lodge Programs. We often hear Brothers mentioning that we can not solicit funds, others believe a Lodge can just go out and raise funds by doing car washes or other community related fundraisers. Others believe that, as Masons, we should not relegate ourselves to that level.
Our Code at §100e. says that "Use of funds by Grand Lodge is unrestricted. Constituent Lodges may use their funds only for the necessary expenses and the special calls of charity, but there is nothing in the Constitution, Regulations or Ancient Landmarks to hinder Grand Lodge from appropriating funds for any purpose it may deem proper."

Further, at §2062. SOLICITATION OF FINANCIAL AID. It says, "A Lodge shall not, by circular or otherwise, solicit pecuniary assistance from Lodge or Masons of this or other jurisdictions, other than its own members,without the permission of the Grand Master, provided, however, that a Masonic organization may send tickets to its members asking them to purchase the same. No Mason shall circulate on Lodge premises a petition asking financial aid for any matter or thing whatever, not Masonic, however worthy it may be except for statewide public school purposes, and then only as a duly appointed member of an authorized Lodge Committee."

It would appear that we can solicit funds if we have the Grand Master's approval. I would think that all that would be necesarry would be to make a written request of the Grand Master to support a proposition to raise funds by doing, such and such and if approved go for it. WHAT SAY YOU?