Elks National Foundation Blog

Kearney, Nebr., Lodge No. 984 Thanks to the members of Kearney, Nebr., Lodge No. 984, Buffalo County is covered in red ribbons! Elks made sure all students observed Red Ribbon Week by wearing red ribbons, learning the dangers of drug and alcohol use and abuse, and committing to drug-free lives. With their $2,000 Promise Grant , Elks partnered with Positive Pressure, a workgroup of Buffalo County Community Partners, to spread the drug-free message to all local schools by distributing Elks drug awareness materials and empowering students to make healthy choices. “The Kearney Elks are honored to participate in Red Ribbon Week, and encourage everyone to pledge to say no to drugs,” said Doug Kramer, Lodge Drug Awareness Chair.  In 2011-12, the Elks National Foundation allocated $715,350 to fund the Elks National Drug Awareness Program. For more information on the Drug Awareness Program and Red Ribbon Week, visit www.elks.org/dap . 

Charles, City, Iowa, Lodge No. 418 Elks at Charles, City, Iowa, Lodge No. 418 know how to throw a party! The Lodge used its Promise Grant to hold Halloween, Christmas and Easter parties for children of deployed Iowa National Guard soldiers. After the celebrations wind down, Elks send notes to soldiers with pictures of their kids at the parties. The Elks also support these families by fundraising for those in need. 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 .

Waukesha, Wis., Lodge No. 400 Waukesha, Wis., Lodge No. 400 used its Gratitude Grant to send local girl Cara Aldrich to a week-long summer camp for people with disabilities. Cara spent the week swimming, bowling, dancing, boating and having a great time. She thanked the Elks for the opportunity and called the camp “the best week of her life.” 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 .