The Ancient Arabic Order, Nobles of the Mystic Shrine, is an organization, composed of men who are Masons. Every Shriner is a Mason, but not all Masons choose to participate in the Shrine. If a man is a Shriner, and he drops out of Masonry, he must leave the Shrine as well.
Here is the home page for the Shrine:
Shriners - Welcome.
and here is an excellent "Cliff's Notes" description of the Shrine ,and the Shrine children's hospitals programs:
http://www.shrinershq.org/files/memb...inerPrimer.pdf
If you are located near a Shriner's hospital, I encourage you to visit the hospital, and observe the miracles that occur there. All medical care in our hospitals is FREE, no one is ever sent a bill for services. Transportation to the hospitals, and hospitality/meals for parents is also free.