Brief History of R.A.R.A.
Royal Arch Research Assistance (R.A.R.A.) is a non-profit 501(c)(3) tax-exempt foundation incorporated in the State of Kentucky in 1974. The purpose of the organization is to research and promote solutions to Central Auditory Processing Disorder or CAPD.
It is governed by a Board of Directors who are all Royal Arch Masons. The General Grand High Priest is the President. The Board Secretary receives all contributions, keeps records, and sends out receipts, certificates, and awards.
Each works with the R.A.R.A. Representatives and the Ambassadors for each state, together with the Regional Deputy General Grand High Priest to coordinate Chapter. In this way, the Grand Chapters in their Regions will be encouraged to participate publicly to demonstrate our community involvement. Through greater visibility to the public, the hope is to generate a greater commitment to this endeavor and promote Royal Arch Masonry.
There are three Regional Coordinators to provide public relations and fundraising assistance under the direction of the Executive Director.
The R.A.R.A. Board of Directors is committed to identifying and supporting those scientists who are searching for treatment regimens and eventually a cure for CAPD.
At the 1972 Triennial meeting in Las Vegas, Most Excellent (M.E.) Edward Selby, Past Grand High Priest (P.G.H.P.) of Ohio and Grand King of the General Grand Royal Arch Chapter International, proposed at the Grand King’s meeting that General Grand Chapter should have a unique and unified Philanthropy, one that would not conflict, detract or duplicate existing charities.
In 1974, the R.A.R.A. was born after extensive investigation. The plans were implemented in 1975 during M.E. Gordon Merrick’s term.
The mission of the Royal Arch Research Assistance has been to help children with Central Auditory Processing Disorders (CAPD) by funding research.
In the beginning R.A.R.A. funded research by Dr. Jack Williford followed by Dr. Joan Burleigh of Colorado State University who later formed the Able Kids Foundation until they discontinued their research program.
Funding was then shifted to Dr. Frank Musiek at the University of Connecticut, and later the University of Arizona until his retirement. Autism Speaks and the Hearing Health Foundation were also added to our program at that time.
50 Years of Making a Difference
Since its conception in 1974, Royal Arch Research Assistance (R.A.R.A.), has become the Leading, Non-educational institution dedicated to helping children with Central Auditory Processing Disorders. R.A.R.A. does not directly fund treatment centers or hospitals, instead it focuses on funding researchers in CAPD, setting them on a lifelong career path to conquering the disease. R.A.R.A. has special relationships with the Hearing Health Foundation and Autism Speaks whose board members suggest and vet researchers for R.A.R.A. funding.
R.A.R.A. supports research seeking the understanding of, and a cure for, Central Auditory Processing Disorder (CAPD), understanding the relationship between CAPD and Autism, and Gaps in Noise Auditory Processing Test for Service Members.
Click here to learn about R.A.R.A. grantees’ projects and accomplishments by year.
HOW FUNDING HAPPENS
Researchers funded by R.A.R.A. have made tremendous strides toward a better understanding of CAPD, as well as developing treatments and therapies that can benefit anyone affected by the disorder, from children to the elderly.
Many R.A.R.A.-supported HHF grantees have gone on to receive awards from the following federal institutions: National Institutes of Health, National Institutes on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institute of General Medical Sciences, National Science Foundation, Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs, Department of Defense, and Veterans Administration.
In 2011, Autism Speaks and the Royal Arch Masons forged a strong relationship that has included more than $1 million in pledged funding. In 2016, Autism Speaks announced the first Royal Arch Masons Fellowship. In addition to supporting research, Royal Arch Mason funding helps Autism Speaks teach health care providers and caregivers about auditory processing disorder in autism and the importance of evaluation when children show related challenges.
- Since 2011, R.A.R.A. has funded over 50 emerging scientists investigating CAPD.
- As causes of CAPD are unknown, each researcher has a different area of focus.
- Research is conducted on earlier detection and better treatments of CAPD.
- After a rigorous application & review process, each successful awardee receives a research grant for one year. Scientists are required to provide progress reports and research updates.
- The CAPD researchers who have been carefully selected are among the best in the nation.
Click here to learn about R.A.R.A. grantees’ projects and accomplishments by year.