Elks National Foundation Blog

By 2013 Most Valuable Student scholar and Elks Scholar Advisory Board member Nate Baker  Nate Baker, 2013 MVS scholar sponsored by Tyrone, Pa., Lodge No. 212, is the freshman representative on the Elks Scholar Advisory Board and new to college life. Throughout his first year of college, we’ll be following Nate through monthly blog posts . Check back each month to see what new adventures Nate encounters during this first year at Cornell! Finals are done, grades are in, and the semester is over. If you've been keeping up with me, my extracurricular endeavors, sports, two jobs, social life, and, oh yeah, that Cornell curriculum have been keeping me more than busy. Coming home was bittersweet. I said goodbye to all the incredible experiences and opportunities up on the hill, but welcomed my family, girlfriend, my new kitten, old friends, and the Christmas season back into my life. So, for my last post of 2013, I thought I'd leave readers with something a bit lighter. Wit

Viera, Fla., Lodge No. 2817   While elves in Santa’s workshop build toys, Santa’s elves from Viera, Fla., Lodge No. 2817 spread Christmas spirit to community members in need. Using an Elks National Foundation Promise Grant , the Viera Elks partnered with Grandparents Raising Grandchildren to hold a Christmas party for 52 children and their grandparents. The party—full of food, face painting, crafts and fellowship—was fun for all ages. The children had the chance to meet the Elks’ special guest—Santa Claus! After telling Santa their Christmas lists, each child received a gift. Their grandparents’ Christmas wishes came true too—they received meals to take home, family time, and new friends in the Elks. “My granddaughters and I would like to thank you for everything,” says a grandmother who benefitted from the Promise Grant. “If we didn’t receive help from the Elks, my granddaughters wouldn’t have had any gifts this Christmas.” The Elks National Foundation awards $2,000 Prom

Putnam, Conn., Lodge No. 574 From roasted turkey to fruitcake, Christmas is often celebrated by sharing meals with loved ones. Elks look out for those in need to ensure that all community members have enough to eat while celebrating the season. Using an Elks National Foundation Beacon Grant , Elks from Putnam, Conn., Lodge No. 574, purchased, packed and delivered meals to 93 families, providing them with fresh food and the best Christmas gift of all—the knowledge they have the support of the Elks. This Beacon Grant project allows the Lodge to connect with other community organizations. To determine those in need, Elks partnered with the Housing Authority and local schools. Elks also work closely with a Putnam grocery store, which provides the food and helps prepare it for delivery. “We served 390 people turkey, sides, fresh veggies, fruit, dessert and more,” says ENF Grant Project Manager Lysa Molnar. “Our community partners rely on the Elks to help those in need each year

Kate Keating Edsey Development Manager How long have you worked at the ENF? I’ve been with the ENF for just over 5 years. What projects are you/your department working on right now? We’re in the middle of planning for the 2014-15 fiscal year, which means a lot of meetings and budgeting. In Kate shows off posters from previous National Convention ENF Major Donor events. What will the theme be in 2014? addition to planning for the Development department, I’m also managing the logistics for upcoming ENF events. The biggest thing on my to-do list right now is planning for the ENF presence at the 2014 Elks National Convention—visit our new and improved ENF booth in New Orleans! What’s your favorite part of working at the ENF? Working with the ENF Fundraising Chairs is the best thing about my role at the ENF. The passion and commitment these volunteers have for the ENF and their community is inspiring. Describe your average day at the ENF. I don’t think there is an

De Soto, Mo., Lodge No. 689   What’s Santa’s favorite breakfast cereal? Frosted Flakes! Using an Elks National Foundation Promise Grant , Elks from De Soto, Mo., Lodge No. 689 hosted Christmas breakfast for community members with special needs. Even though Frosted Flakes wasn’t on the menu, Santa still came to celebrate, play games, and give gifts to each guest. The breakfast allowed the Lodge to connect with those in need in the community and share the gift of friendship. “We were able to increase awareness about the good things the Lodge does for the community throughout the year thanks to the Promise Grant,” says ENF Grant Project Manager Mike Thurmond. 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 www.elks.org/enf/community .

By 2013 Most Valuable Student scholar and Elks Scholar Advisory Board member Nate Baker  Nate Baker, 2013 MVS scholar sponsored by Tyrone, Pa., Lodge No. 212, is the freshman representative on the Elks Scholar Advisory Board and new to college life. Throughout his first year of college, we’ll be following Nate through monthly blog posts . Check back each month to see what new adventures Nate encounters during this first year at Cornell! Order in the Cornell court! I like to act like someone I’m not. Someone quite possibly guilty of a horrible crime. Arguing with overzealous attorneys is my idea of a good time. If I were to get selected for jury duty, I’d probably be pretty pleased. I'm not some weird, punishment-loving person (well, I do go to Cornell...), I just love mock trial! Over the past month, I’ve spent more time than I’d like to admit reading affidavits, revising direct examinations, and listening to opening/closing statements. I’ve been in a suit so much th