CITRUS HEIGHTS, CA (MPG) – On a warm April evening, diners at California Burgers in Citrus Heights noticed unusual activity outside the restaurant.

A banner reading “Quaranteam Roseville, Community Dinner Here, 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.” was being hung as a dozen youth and adult volunteers from the organization, DeMolay, prepared to hand out 80 free meals in a two-hour period to those who needed a meal.

The name ‘Quaranteam’ came from the members themselves, a reference to the needs the COVID-19 quarantine is having on businesses and members of the community.

The unique fundraising idea came from the Seattle, Washington area. Members from each DeMolay chapter decide which projects they want to adopt to help their community, then plan and carry them out, with adult oversight. When funds are raised the restaurant is paid for the meals which are then donated to those in need. Both the struggling restaurant and community members benefit.

According to their website, DeMolay is considered a fraternity of the Masonic Family. Membership is open to young men between the age of 12 and 21 who acknowledge a higher spiritual power. They have members from many different faiths and beliefs including Christians, Jews, Hindus, Buddhists and many other groups.

Their purpose is to build character and develop leaders. The founder of the Order of DeMolay, Frank S. Land, a business and community leader at 28, and a Shriner, realized their chapters needed to have mature older members ready to provide guidance and supervision to the younger men.

Senior DeMolay advisor, Hunter Witham, 18, who helped organize the event said in a phone interview, “It is great to see the generosity of people.” Once the word gets out for a project the funds always come in. 

This is thanks to Michael Cherry, 17, Deputy Master Counselor, whose job to get the word out. Cherry is in charge of fundraising through social media, on Facebook and Instagram. A member since he was 12, Cherry is a prime example of the training and experience members receive being mentored by their seniors. Cherry has learned a lot and says he has “expanded his abilities in public speaking, budgeting and event planning. He is always amazed at the response by the public. He hopes to use his education and experience to work for the California Highway Patrol.

For information on DeMolay: [email protected]

For Job’s Daughters - Females 9-20 years: [email protected]