Elks National Foundation Blog

Pierre, S.D., Lodge No. 1953 Elks go fly a kite, up to the highest heights! To teach children about fun and safe outdoor activities, Pierre, S.D., Lodge No. 1953 used an Elks National Foundation Promise Grant to teach local youth this classic activity.   Elks helped more than 200 kids assemble their own kites and release them into the clear blue sky. The youth—and their kites—were lighter than air as the Elks taught them the ins and out and ups and down of flying a kite. The Promise Grant enabled the Elks to start a healthy trend for local youth. “A few days after the event, we saw kids flying our kites in the park,” says Project Manager Lorie Pogany. “They had a wonderful time learning a new outdoor activity.” The Elks National Foundation awards $2,000 Promise Grants to the first 500 Lodges that pledge to host an event that helps build the character and competence of local youth. To find out more about Promise Grants and the Community Investments Program, visit

Orange, Calif., Lodge No. 1475    Come one, come all! Orange, Calif., Lodge No. 1475 used an Elks National Foundation Promise Grant to host a circus-themed evening for residents from the Eli Home—a local home for children who are survivors of domestic abuse. The Elks weren’t clowning around at this three-ring circus!  Elks dressed as clowns offered face painting and passed out balloon animals. A photo booth full of props provided candid photos for the guests and their families and friends. The local high school choir and a magician entertained guests during their night under the big top.   “The Promise Grant allowed us to invite residents of the Eli Home to the Lodge,” says Project Manager Craig Coleman. “It was wonderful to put a smile on these kids’ faces.” The Elks National Foundation awards $2,000 Promise Grants to the first 500 Lodges that pledge to host an event that helps build the character and competence of local youth. To find out more about

Negaunee, Mich., Lodge No. 1116 To encourage youth to stay active, Negaunee, Mich., Lodge No. 1116 used an Elks National Foundation Promise Grant to host a bike parade for local youth. Kids decorated their bikes and rode them through town, accompanied by their families and the Elks. Even the smallest members of the community—pulled in wagons and strollers—joined in the day of sunshine and healthy choices. After the parade, Elks treated participants to lunch. The Elks also organized games and Drug Awareness activities to promote overall good health. “Many groups came together to make the bike parade a success,” says Project Manager Peter Gadzinski. “We provided an activity that showed what the Elks do for the community.” The Elks National Foundation awards $2,000 Promise Grants to the first 500 Lodges that pledge to host an event that helps build the character and competence of local youth. To find out more about Promise Grants and the Community Investments Program, visit

 Cody, Wyo., Lodge No. 1611 Spring has sprung, and for Cody, Wyo., Lodge No. 1611 that can only mean one thing—baseball season! The Cody Elks know that playing sports is beneficial—it offers youth an opportunity to exercise and learn good sportsmanship. To support the local little league team, the Elks used an Elks National Foundation Promise Grant to hold a barbeque for the athletes and their families. Forget the peanuts and crackerjack. Elks prepared a picnic lunch for more than 600 guests, providing athletes with good food and good company after working hard on the baseball field. To endorse good health even after baseball season ends, the Cody Elks promoted the Lodge’s soccer shoot at the barbeque. “The Promise Grant helped us connect to local youth and encourage them to participate in future Lodge events,” says Project Manager Jerry Fritz. “The soccer shoot participation doubled after the little league picnic.” The Elks National Foundation awards $2,000 Promise G