Elks National Foundation Blog

Plainview, Tex., Lodge No. 1175 Plainview, Tex., Lodge No. 1175 worked with teachers, parents and children to build a “Garden of Honor” at a local junior high school, commemorating the military. Elks used their Gratitude Grant to support the project. The Lodge hopes that the garden makes students proud of those serving our country! The ENF awards Gratitude Grants to Lodges to directly address local needs. Lodges are eligible to apply for Gratitude Grants after meeting the GER’s per-capita goal. To find out more about Gratitude Grants, visit www.elks.org/enf/community .   

Hampton, Va., Lodge No. 366 Thanks to an Elks National Foundation Gratitude Grant , Hampton, Va., Lodge No. 366 presented six Wii consoles to veterans at the Hampton VA Medical Center. The center is using these games for therapeutic and recreational purposes, helping the veterans to relax and enjoy themselves. The ENF awards $2,000 Gratitude Grants to Lodges to directly address local needs. Lodges are eligible to apply for Gratitude Grants after meeting the GER’s per-capita goal. To find out more about Gratitude Grants, visit www.elks.org/enf/community .   

Gardner, Mass., Lodge No. 1426 Gardner, Mass., Lodge No. 1426 used its Promise Grant to hold Gardner’s first annual Kids Safety Day. Elks partnered with the Police and Fire Departments to teach more than 160 children about fire safety, bike safety and drug awareness. Attendees played games, won prizes, met Elroy the Elk, and received a free bike helmet. The day was a huge success! The ENF awards $2,000 Promise Grants to the first 500 Lodges that pledge to host an event that helps build the character and competence of youth in their community. To find out more about Promise Grants, visit www.elks.org/enf/community .

By Maryann Slater, Elks Scholar Advisory Board Member My name is Maryann Slater and this year I am the Elks Scholar Advisory Board Freshman Representative. The SAB’s job is to brainstorm ways to enhance the Elks Scholar experience. It was such an honor to be accepted to the SAB, and I was both excited and nervous to participate in the annual SAB meeting in Phoenix during the Elks National Convention. I am a Legacy scholar . Both of my parents are Elks members and I have grown up around the Elks. I’m so fortunate to have been able to see first hand what a generous and caring organization the Elks is. I was so eager to take my place on the Board because I would get to give back to the Elks and be involved in my own way. With the support of my parents’ lodges, I couldn’t wait to dive into an Elks-filled weekend. Friday night of convention we met to discuss the weekend’s plans, introduce ourselves, and meet ENF staff. Each person I met was just as nice as the one before! The staff me

Ames, Iowa, Lodge No. 1626 Ames, Iowa, Lodge No. 1626 used its Gratitude Grant to support a group called Quilts for Kids. The group, which includes a few Elks, delivers handmade quilts to the local children’s hospital to make their stay more comfortable. The ENF awards $2,000 Gratitude Grants to Lodges to directly address local needs. Lodges are eligible to apply for Gratitude Grants after meeting the GER’s per-capita goal. To find out more about Gratitude Grants, visit www.elks.org/enf/community .