Kip Gardner receives Shriner of the Year award

Posted 2/9/22

Soon to be 98-year-old Clifton “Kip” Gardner is no newcomer to the world of charity work. When working in his younger days...

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Kip Gardner receives Shriner of the Year award

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OKEECHOBEE — Soon to be 98-year-old Clifton “Kip” Gardner is no newcomer to the world of charity work. When working in his younger days, he found himself the lead person within the company he was working for reaching out to other companies, both large and small seeking employees to enroll in payroll contributions to charitable organizations. His dedication during those days is what led Kip to continue to work for the good of others. In 1996 Kip joined Okeechobee Lodge No. 237, Free and Accepted Masons. Being a Mason allowed Kip the opportunity to seek membership in several appended bodies of the Fraternity and in 1996 he became a Shriner joining the Okeechobee Shrine Club.

Formed in 1978 with forty-four local members, the Okeechobee Shrine Club became a vital part of the Okeechobee Community. After the building was constructed just off State Road 78, it was the place to be on weekends with their monthly dinner dances, local bingo players trying their hand at winning the jackpots, and it was the prime location to hold a wedding or a wedding reception. Once a member of the local Club, Kip jumped into action becoming one of the several truly active workers that keep the Okeechobee Shrine Club a successful entity.

“Sadly, as our membership has declined, so has the ability to keep this large building and the events going,” remarked Kip. “On top of that, COVID hit and that caused us to have to completely shut our doors and reconsider our options

“Although the building that housed the Okeechobee Shrine Club has closed, we are determined not to let the organization die in our community,” said Gardner who has served several elected positions, including president on two separate occasions.

Many will also recognize this friendly gentleman for his 18 years as coordinator for the Salvation Army Bell Ringers in Okeechobee. Over the years, his efforts amassed a unit of more than 250 volunteers, many of whom still ring the bells during the holiday season. Although he is no longer able to oversee the project it gives him great pleasure to know that it continues to be a part of our local holiday observances.

Each November, Kip and his small assembly of volunteers can be found at the doors of local businesses seeking donations for the Shriners Hospitals for Children through the sale of the Shriners Hospital Newspaper. For his continued efforts, Kip was surprised on Thursday, Dec. 30 by a visit from members of the Amara Temple Divan, including Illustrious Sir William Bates, Sr., 2021 Potentate and Illustrious Sir William Garrison, Temple Recorder who presented him with a plaque and the distinguished designation as “Shriner of the Year.” Humbled by this recognition, Kip commented “it’s quite an honor to be selected out of over 400 members and to be acknowledged for doing what I love to do.”

shriner of the year, kip gardner

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