KC’s Top Fez

Shriners support children’s hospitals. But recently, the fez-wearing fraternity of middle-aged guys was blasted in a New York Times investigation. The Times reported that more than half of the $32 million that Shriners raised in 2005 went to fraternity costs – such as booze, trips and miniature parade cars. (Shrine hospitals are supported mainly by a $9 billion endowment.)

We wanted to know what Kansas City’s most prominent Shriner thought of the article. Outgoing Kansas City, Missouri, City Councilman Chuck Eddy is a past “potentate,” or president, of the Ararat Shrine. But the councilman’s aide said Eddy hadn’t read the article.