On June 22, the observance of our 4th Annual MoCHIP  Child ID Awareness day, 12 year-old Molly, soon to be 13, became our 175,000th child ID’d. The event took place at Ronnie’s 20 Cine cohosted by Noble, Meridian and George Washington Masonic Lodges and under the direction of Regional Coordinator, Craig Skinner (far right) and his team #2. Pictured also is Nick Cichielo, MoCHIP State Coordinator (next to Molly on the left) and team #2 member Rodney Kleine (far left).

Molly and her family moved to St. Louis a year ago and she and her two siblings went through the MoCHIP program just before heading in to see a movie. Incidentally, Molly’s sister was 174,999 and her brother was 175,001!  It is important to note here that both Molly and her older sister are teetering on the side of being considered “too old” to be ID’d according to tweens, teens and even some parents. We beg to differ. Statistically, GIRLS and BOYS ages 11-21 are most susceptible to become missing.

MoCHIP events are held any given Saturday throughout Missouri, though Wehrenberg Theatres has teamed up with MoCHIP with 12-15 events each year (since 2007) at their theatres in St. Louis, St Charles, Osage, Cape Girardeau, and Springfield, helping financially and providing resources. The fact that the 175,000^th child was ID’d at a Wehrenberg Theatre event certainly made the Chairman and CEO, Ron Krueger very happy. Prior to this event, Mr. Krueger had this to say, “We have a long, proud history with MOCHIP.  The fact MOCHIP is nearing this milestone shows what an important service they provide.  The fact it could happen at our flagship theatre is an honor.”

And to add to what was already an amazing day of observances and celebrations, Molly’s father, a Missouri transplant, was so impressed by the MoCHIP program and the charitable endeavors of Missouri Freemasons, that he requested a petition to join the fraternity. If all goes well, he will be a Masonic brother to Algabil-Freeedom Lodge.