Grotto Humanitarian Foundation and The Enchanted Lantern
In the early days of the Grotto, members would hang a red railroad lantern in the window to indicate the location of their next meeting. This history of the lantern was not forgotten when, in 1953, the Grottoes adopted the “Enchanted Lantern” as their emblem to represent each contribution of $50 or more.
The Grottoes of North America Humanitarian Foundation is a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit organization that brings “Special Smiles” to children with special needs by providing them much-needed dental care. The program helps cover the costs of dental treatment, including hospital and anesthesia costs, when needed, for children with cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy and related neuromuscular disorders, those with mental retardation, and organ transplant recipients.
The Grotto membership has diligently labored to provide the necessary funds toward improvement in the oral health status of these special needs children. For reasons beyond their control they are too often excluded from the mainstream of dental care.
The Grottos of North America offer this service to the physically and mentally challenged children who are afflicted with:
Cerebral Palsy - Myasthenia Gravis - Muscular Dystrophy - Mentally Challenged
