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Several local members of Sunrise Court #20 Order of the Amaranth participated in the 61st session of the Grand Court of Tennessee Order of the Amaranth. The Order is a fraternal organization comprised of Master Masons and their female relatives.

The main charity of the Order of the Amaranth is the American Diabetes Association. Through the years, courts across the United States have worked to raise money for the diabetes foundation.

The event was held at the Park Vista Hotel in Gatlinburg. Honored Lady, Cindy Brooks, a member of Sunrise Court, is the 2022 – 2023 Grand Royal Matron of Tennessee. She welcomed all attendees to the annual session, which was themed “Tennessee Memories: A Firm Foundation For Our Future.” Courts were represented from across the United States – from New York to California.

Grand Royal Matron, Cindy Brooks, welcomed the Supreme Associate Matron, Susan Patchin and the Supreme Associate Patron, Mel Fossell. The pair congratulated the members of Tennessee on their many projects in support of diabetes research. She invited the members to attend the 2024 Supreme Session to be held in New York, where she will be installed as Supreme Grand Royal Matron.

During the session, Grand Royal Matron, Cindy Brooks, presented a check totaling over $12,000 for the American Diabetes Association from the courts of Tennessee. Funds are currently being raised to support American Diabetes Association research for the development of an artificial pancreas.

Two members of Sunrise Court were elected to serve as Grand officers for the 2023-2024 year. Kelly Pickering was elected Grand Associate Matron and Mike Sparks was elected Grand Associate Patron.