Elks National Foundation Blog

Kinderhook, N.Y., Lodge No. 2530 “What kind of dress should I buy? How much will a limousine cost? Who will be my date?” This is only the beginning of the long list of worries of students attending their high school prom. The Elks at Kinderhook, N.Y., Lodge No. 2530 know how hectic prom season can be for teens. To create a stress-free night for local youth, the Lodge used an Elks National Foundation Beacon Grant to host a prom for developmentally disabled teens. With the Elks as party leaders, the prom was a night to remember! Elks prepared and served dinner for 100 guests, then cleared the floor for a night of dancing and socializing. The Beacon Grant allowed the Kinderhook Elks to reach out beyond their Lodge and serve others in the community. “The prom was a tremendous success,” says Project Manager Jerry Shook. “Our guests and their families couldn’t express enough gratitude for giving the teens a night to enjoy themselves.” Through Beacon Grants, the Elks N

By 2010 Most Valuable Student Scholar Macy Warburton In the late afternoon of March 8, 2013, I began the seven-hour drive from Kansas State University to Denver, Colo., despite all the news reports about Winter Storm Triton. There was nothing that would have stopped me from making this trip. Why? I was headed to the 2013 Region 8 Hoop Shoot Contest. I first learned about the Hoop Shoot program after winning a Most Valuable Student scholarship in 2010. Fast forward two years and five Hoop Shoot contests later, and you will find that I have fallen in love with the program. I am always amazed at the skills of the participants and the love and care shown by the Elks. This contest proved to be no different. I drove into the hotel parking lot at 12:30 a.m., and Regional Director Randy Gragg was waiting to make sure I arrived safely. Even with a hectic weekend ahead of him, he showed his caring Elks spirit by making a point to welcome me with open arms. The next day I was able

South Hillsborough, Fla., Lodge No. 2672   It might sound like American Idol is taping a new episode, but the singers you hear on Fridays at South Hillsborough, Fla., Lodge No. 2672 aren’t competing for a recording contract. It’s the Lodge’s karaoke night with the James Haley Veterans Hospital. Veterans in the transition program come to the Lodge every other Friday for fellowship, food, and a turn at the microphone. The Lodge used an Elks National Foundation Beacon Grant to expand the event to twice a month, and to provide these veterans with personal items they need. Through Beacon Grants, the Elks National Foundation gives Lodges the opportunity to develop an ongoing, charitable, Elks-driven community project. These $1,000 grants are available to all Lodges. To find out more about Beacon Grants and the Community Investments Program, visit www.elks.org/enf/community .