It’s All About the Kids
by Kevin Fritz
The Bahia Shriners, well-known for its miniature Model T cars, Sir Gus the kissing camel, and red fez hats, recently marked 70 years of helping children and families in need.
The nonprofit is the Central Florida delegation of Shriners International, a Masonic fraternal organization with philanthropic objectives. The Bahia Shriners supports Shriners Children’s (originally known as Shriners Hospitals for Children), a pediatric healthcare system that provides orthopedic, spine, burn, and other specialty care.
Brian Domian, the local group’s 2025 Potentate (akin to a president), says the organization’s longevity can be attributed to pivoting with the times, while never losing focus on its child-centric mission. The Bahia Shrine is headquartered in Apopka, has a membership of about 1,000, and serves six counties: Seminole, Orange, Osceola, Lake, Volusia, and Sumter.
A Major Milestone
The 70th anniversary of the Bahia Shriners, which was observed last year, was dubbed Thrive in ‘25. The celebrations included a ball in May, attended by the Imperial Potentate (president of Shriners International), Potentates from throughout the state, and Mervin Henning, a 1955 charter member of the Bahia Shriners.
About 60 members and their spouses also marked the anniversary with a weeklong Caribbean cruise. Among them was Kevin Borland of Winter Springs, who joined the organization in 2006.
“These are great people doing great things,” says Kevin. “I have been very fortunate in my life, and you get to a point where you want to give back. Our purpose is philanthropy and fundraising for the Shriners Children’s Hospitals, helping families regardless of their ability to pay.”
Bahia Shriners is made up of two parts, one charitable and one fraternal. The fraternal arm raises funds to keep the group afloat, with social events such as an annual motorcycle ride. The charitable arm raises money for Shriners Children’s. Brian, who grew up in Oviedo, has been a devoted member of Bahia Shriners since 1998.
Changing With the Times
“We have been able to adapt and change as needed,” he says, noting that some of the organization’s hospitals have closed, including the one in Tampa. “With more outpatient surgery, the need for hospital beds lessens.”
In response, the nonprofit Shriners Children’s has opened medical facilities in partnership with other hospitals to meet outpatient needs in key areas. It operates hospitals, outpatient clinics, ambulatory care centers, and outreach locations across the globe – at no financial cost to the pediatric patients or their families.
“It is very rewarding how we help so many children,” says Brian.
The organization has also been faced with the generational shifts plaguing many service groups, namely dwindling interest among younger people. Membership in Bahia Shriners has fallen from a peak of 3,000, which led to a move from its grand headquarters in Maitland eight years ago to its more modest home base in Apopka.
The interests of the group’s own members have also led to change. For example, there are several units within Bahia Shriners that are geared toward specific hobbies, such as motorcycle riding and golf. In addition to its headquarters, the group has additional club locations that cater to members who don’t live near Apopka.
And, the group has made it a point to host more family-friendly gatherings, including picnics and other fun events for all ages.
“As a Shriner,” says Kevin, “you can do as much or as little as you want. It’s really just about the people – and the children.”
Adds Brian, “It really is the best organization I know of. These people become family, and when you get to see what we do for so many kids, it makes us so proud.”