Our history
The Tall Cedars’ Foundation is the official philanthropy of the Tall Cedars of Lebanon International. The Tall Cedars’ Foundation was established in 1951 by the Tall Cedars of Lebanon of North America (now known as the Tall Cedars of Lebanon International) to support the Muscular Dystrophy Association in its efforts to discover the cause of muscular dystrophy and related neuromuscular diseases. For years, a donation was presented during the Jerry Lewis Labor Day Telethon each year. You may also remember the “Singing Cedars,” who were featured quite prominently on the telethon itself. Local forests also provided members to answer the telephones.
In 1977, the Tall Cedar Foundation began sponsoring fellowship grants to train qualified physicians in the diagnosis and treatment of these neuromuscular diseases. Over the past 75 years, the Tall Cedars’ Foundation has invested over $19 million in research and programs.
The rose was adopted as our primary symbol in the 1970s, after Essex Forest No. 8 began selling roses at local events to raise money in support of the Foundation’s mission. Henceforth, the rose has become a symbol of hope for the children and families we serve. Initially, the roses were pink (in partnership with the MDA). In 2022, we transitioned to the white rose, and members now proudly display and sell these to support our cause.
WHERE WE ARE TODAY
The Tall Cedars’ Foundation is a charity sponsored by the Tall Cedars of Lebanon International. The Foundation is governed by a Board of Directors comprised of four officers and 12 directors. The Supreme Tall Cedar appoints all of the officers and directors. The Foundation is exempt from federal income tax under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, and contributions made to the Foundation are tax-deductible for donors.
In 2023, the Tall Cedars’ Foundation evolved its focus from solely supporting the MDA to one that recognizes the need to support families of children with muscular dystrophy, as well as a continued partnership with non-profits engaged in research and development work to find a cure. As part of a new strategic planning initiative, the Foundation has adopted a revised mission, vision, and guiding principles. Using our Muscular Dystrophy Relief Fund (MDRF), the Foundation provides direct support to families through grants to enhance their child’s quality of life and scholarships to attend summer camps. Moreover, we continue to collaborate with other nonprofits that work directly with researchers seeking to develop therapeutics and ultimately discover a cure. With this shift, the Foundation transitioned from benefiting a singular entity to showcasing its collaborative spirit—which has a direct impact on the lives of families in our local communities.
