Elks National Foundation Blog

Pooja Nanjannavar 2013 Most Valuable Student scholar Sponsored by Richmond, Va., Lodge No. 45 Pooja will be attending the University of Virginia to major in chemical and environmental engineering. Check out why she’s thankful for her MVS scholarship :

Louisiana, Mo., Lodge No. 791 While the world is captivated by the royal baby, the Elks remain focused on helping local children in need. Using an Elks National Foundation Promise Grant , Louisiana, Mo., Lodge No. 791 held a bike safety event for youth in the community. At the event, the Elks demonstrated how to be careful when riding a bike. The Louisiana Police Department performed a safety check on each bike, while Elks helped the bikers navigate through a riding safety course. The bikers were treated like royalty as they hit the streets. With police officers leading and following the procession, the bikers, their families and the Elks safely rode through the community. “We received thanks from children and parents,” says Project Manager Mary Lindsay. “It created excitement and a good feeling in our Lodge.” 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 lo

Connor Brady 2013 Legacy Awards Recipient Sponsored by Bakersfield, Calif., Lodge No. 266 Connor—who is attending the University of California, Berkeley in the fall—is following in the footsteps of his grandfather, an Elk and UC Berkeley alum. Check out what Connor had to say about his Legacy Awards scholarship:

Stevens Point, Wis., Lodge No. 641 Youth in Stevens Point, Wis., are hooked on fishing! Using an Elks National Foundation Beacon Grant , Stevens Point, Wis., Lodge No. 641 partnered with the local police department to hold Cops ‘n’ Bobbers for local youth in need. Thanks to the Elks, guests are now expert fishermen. Elks taught the children and their families the best kinds of bait to use and how to measure and record the fish they caught. Police officers helped with the fishing lessons and taught youth how to play safely around the water. Guests left the shore with fishing knowledge and new friends in the Elks and local police officers. “Cops ‘n’ Bobbers was an excellent cosponsored program,” says Project Manager Michael Kinney. “Our Lodge will definitely be recognized in the community for working with local law enforcement to support local youth.” Through Beacon Grants, the Elks National Foundation gives Lodges the opportunity to develop an ongoing, charitable, Elks-dr

Melia Bernal 2013 Most Valuable Student scholar Sponsored by San Clemente, Calif., Lodge No. 2068 Melia is a member of a dance group that expresses feelings through movement. Here, she expresses her feelings toward the Elks for her MVS Scholarship . “My education would not be possible without the generous support of the Elks,” says Melia. “Thank you for enabling me to work toward my goals and give back to my community.” Melia will be able to spread her kindness to others as she majors in global affairs at Yale University.

  Old Town, Maine, Lodge No. 1287 As we celebrate our nation’s independence this July, Elks are sure to thank those who served our country in the military. Elks from Old Town, Maine, Lodge No. 1287 show their gratitude to our nation’s heroes this month and throughout the year. Using an Elks National Foundation Beacon Grant , Elks prepared lunch for veterans living at a veteran’s home in Bangor, Maine. The veterans and their families came for lunch, fellowship and entertainment. As Elks served and ate with their guests, a local barbershop quartet serenaded the crowd. Thanks to the Beacon Grant, Elks were able to serve nearly 100 veterans and their families. Elks and their guests look forward to gathering for lunch again in the coming year. “The Lodge received an amazing outpouring of gratitude and appreciation for spending time with the veterans,” says Project Manager Robert Martin. “We want to ensure that this project becomes an annual event.” Through Beacon Grants, the Elks