MOUNTLAKE TERRACE – Howard Wise grabs the handlebars of his minibike as if he were riding a Harley-Davidson, and he grins.
Wise enjoys the summer parade season.
It’s a chance to get out on his bike and have some fun with fellow Nile Shriners who weave their tiny rides in figure-8 formations on parade routes throughout the region.
It’s also an opportunity to get the word out about the fraternal organization’s charity and Wise’s pet volunteer project.
“Our motto is ‘Shriners Helping Children,’ ” Wise said. “That says it all.”
Wise, 64, of Lynnwood is a devoted supporter of Shriners hospitals throughout the United States. The hospitals, which serve children primarily from families who cannot afford special care, are the real reason his fraternity exists, he said.
In order to help keep the flow of support headed to those hospitals, Wise volunteers several days a week at the Nile Shriners office in Mountlake Terrace. He has been a Nile member since 1999, and he is a computer expert in the office.
Wise, an Edmonds High School graduate, worked more than 40 years in the construction industry in Snohomish County. He retired earlier than he had planned when, after undergoing successful radiation treatments for cancer, he developed osteoporosis.
His disability left him with more time to help out in the Nile office.
Nile secretary Afton Wilkinson said Wise is special among the many men who volunteer in the office.
“He has a wonderful sense of grace, calm and humor,” she said. “He is such a hard worker. He only thought he was retired.”
Membership in Nile isn’t for everyone, Wise said. Before becoming a Shriner, one has to join the Masons, and there’s a process for becoming a part of that fraternal group. But everyone can get behind the Shriners hospitals, he said.
“Our main purpose is to help children with medical problems,” he said.
There are 22 Shriners Hospitals for Children nationwide, with the closest ones located in Spokane and Portland, Ore. All are supported by the Shriners organization, with almost 400,000 members in North America.
“We do a lot of fundraising to support those hospitals,” he said. “With a $2 million daily operating budget nationwide, that’s a lot of money to be raised.”
Wise and his wife, Marcia, participate in many fundraising efforts during the course of the year.
In addition, activities such as the Nile Shriners food booths at the Evergreen State Fair this month in Monroe will help send money to the children’s hospitals, he said.
“There’s a lot of work done behind the scenes by a lot of people,” he said. “The parades put us out in the public light and bring attention to the hospitals.”
The Nile Shriners band, sword units and minibike riders are regular features at parades in Snohomish County and throughout the region.
“It’s fun to get out to see the people wave at us and applaud as we go by,” Wise said. “But there are a lot of people who don’t know we exist.”
The Shriners are a graying fraternal group whose members’ average age is about 71, Wise said.
“We’re always looking for new members and ways to promote Masonry and philanthropy, but we welcome support of the hospitals from anybody,” he said.
A grandfather, Wise said he enjoys knowing that his work with the Shriners ultimately helps children.
“There’s a great deal of satisfaction in being involved in Nile,” he said.
Reporter Gale Fiege: 425-339-3427 or gfiege@heraldnet.com.
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