Elks National Foundation Blog

Austin Williams 2013 Legacy Awards Recipient Sponsored by Wallingford, Conn., Lodge No. 1465 Being an Elk is a family tradition that goes back all the way to Austin’s great-grandfather. Now, he is proud to join the Elks family as well. Check out why Austin is thankful for his Legacy Awards scholarship to help him attend the University of Connecticut:

Palm Coast, Fla., Lodge No. 2709 It’s raining cats and dogs…and Elks! Using an Elks National Foundation Beacon Grant , Palm Coast, Fla., Lodge No. 2709 partnered with the local humane society to ensure that abandoned pets were welcomed into new, caring homes. The Elks’ adopt-a-thon helped to reduce the number of animals in local shelters and increase the number of pet-loving families in the community. Elks brought together community members at the Lodge to adopt adorable cats and dogs. Guests left with new furry family members and new friends in the Elks. Thanks to the Beacon Grant event, the Palm Coast Lodge gained five new members. “Finding families for our animals is very important to us,” says Mari Molina, Executive Director of Flagler Cats, a local animal shelter. “That’s why the Elks’ adopt-a-thon was a great event. It brought the community together and showed how the Elks are there for the community.” Through Beacon Grants, the Elks National Foundation gives Lodges t

Matthew Ramos 2013 Most Valuable Student scholar Sponsored by Carmichael, Calif., Lodge No. 2103 Thanks to the Elks, Matthew will be able to easily navigate the waters of his future. “This scholarship has helped me to reflect on who I am and how I will succeed in the future,” says Matthew. “Helping others and serving my community is a goal that my MVS scholarship will help me achieve.” With determination, a charitable heart, and support from the Elks National Foundation, there is no doubt Matthew will succeed. Next year, he’ll be attending California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo, Calif. to study engineering. In 2013-14, the Elks National Foundation allocated $2.44 million to fund 500 four-year Most Valuable Student Scholarships, which now feature 20 top awards of at least $20,000. For more information about the Most Valuable Student scholarship program, including eligibility and deadlines, visit www.elks.org/enf/scholars .

Ellisville, Mo., Lodge No. 2664   With the Elks on their side, youth in Ellisville, Mo. are sure to have bright futures. Using an Elks National Foundation Promise Grant , Ellisville, Mo., Lodge No. 2664 held a fun and educational youth picnic. To promote living a drug free life, Elks invited Elroy the Elk to help teach kids how to say “no” to drugs and alcohol. Picnic guests became friends with the Elks and local firefighters. The Ellisville Fire Department opened the firehouse doors to the youth and their families to demonstrate fire safety techniques. Elks supported healthy lifestyles with games that encouraged eating nutritious meals. After learning how to stay safe and live well, Elks treated their guests to lunch, pony rides, face painting and prizes. “The Promise Grant allowed us to promote drug awareness and community involvement,” says Project Manager Michael Polson. “The picnic provided local youth with a fun, safe environment for the day.”   The Elks

By 2006 Legacy Awards recipient Erika Barger It has been an honor and a privilege to serve as a founding member of the Elks Scholar Advisory Board the past four years. As a 2006 Legacy scholar, sponsored by Ormond Beach, Fla., Lodge No. 2193, I never imagined that I would have the opportunity to become involved with the Elks on a national level, representing Elks scholars from across the nation, and sharing my story and ideas with Elks and fellow scholars. As a Legacy Awards recipient, as well as an Elk member, I was able to approach issues concerning Elks scholars from a unique prospective. Erika and the 2009-10 Elks Scholar Advisory Board visiting the ENF in Chicago, Ill. My term on the Scholar Advisory Board afforded me numerous opportunities to meet and work with leaders, make friends with fellow Elks scholars, and promote the good work of the Elks by organizing service projects in my home and college communities. I was privileged to organize four Elks Schol

Casey Coffey 2013 Legacy Awards Recipient Sponsored by Jupiter, Fla., Lodge No. 2469 Thanks to her Legacy Award , Casey will be attending her dream school, the University of Florida. Here’s what Casey had to say about her scholarship:

New Albany, Ind., Lodge No. 270   Elks are right on target with this grant project! Fathers in New Albany, Ind. enjoy taking their children hunting and the Elks from New Albany, Ind., Lodge No. 270 want to be sure these local families use safe hunting practices. With the help of an Elks National Foundation Promise Grant , the Elks teamed with two NJROTC teams, a local 4-H club, and the Indiana Conservation Officers Organization to hold a safe hunting clinic for kids and their dads. After Elks instructed safety sessions, NJROTC members led target practice and competitions. Parents and children were very appreciative of the time they spent learning safe hunting techniques with the Elks and with each other. “Because of our Promise Grant, we were able to partner with other organizations and show families what we do for the community,” says Project Manager Stephen Scott. “Many parents expressed interest in joining our other programs.” The Elks National Foundation awards $2,000

Lydia Ham 2013 Most Valuable Student scholar Sponsored by St. Johnsbury, Vt., Lodge No. 1343 Lydia and the Elks National Foundation make beautiful music together! “I’m so excited to go to college and focus on what I love to do—make music and figure out how it works,” says Lydia. “My MVS scholarship will help me do that.” As a music education major at Messiah College in Grantham, Pa., Lydia’s love for music will continue long into the future as she inspires musical talent in her students.