Selama Grotto is one of 150 Grottoes in North America (11 in Florida). Membership is composed of Master Masons only. The national project is the Doctor of Smiles program. Using income from a national foundation, this program pays for the dental treatment of uninsured and under insured children who are afflicted with cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, organ transplant patients and mentally challenged. Selama Grotto, while continuing to support the Doctor of Smiles program, has pioneered a new direction with hyperbaric oxygen treatments for children with cerebral palsy, autism and a host of other needs.

As a member of the Grottoes of North America, a fraternal, charitable and non-profit organization, we are composed of Master Masons, which was organized on June 13, 1890. In 1949, the Grottoes of North America established a Humanitarian Foundation to help fund the needs of those afflicted with Cerebral Palsy.

Shortly thereafter, Selama Grotto became associated with United Cerebral Palsy of Pinellas County. In 1963, the name was changed to Selama Grotto Cerebral Palsy Endowment, Inc. and was reorganized to help those in the local area who were afflicted with Cerebral Palsy. They organized a school for youngsters with Cerebral Palsy and funded it for several years until other organizations assumed that duty. In the years since, they have provided many services to those persons with special needs, including transportation, scholarships, orthopedic equipment and funds for campaign trips.

As of ten (10) years ago, Selama Grotto entered into a new program, Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy for children with Cerebral Palsy, Autism and various other Neurological Disorders.

The Selama Grotto Cerebral Palsy Endowment Inc. currently owns and operates 5 HBOT chambers with the capacity to give therapy of up to twenty-five people on a daily basis.

These treatments are offered at no charge and to date, these chambers have offered the services that, if paid for, would amount to over $14 million in hospitals and clinics.

The Endowment Board of Directors are: President Richard D. Green (2011), Vice President Fred P. Kinney (2012), Secretary “Rick” L. Renshaw (2012), Treasurer Bruce Ward (2010), with members at large F. L. “Pete” Schreihofer (2011), J. “‘Bob” Mullen (2011). Alfred M. Rodgers (2011), Mark A Fowler (2012), William West (2010), George N. Owens (2010), Tom W. McVeigh (2012), John Burrell (2010) and Henry L. Griffith, Emeritus. (1972)