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Celebrating the New Year at the ENF


by: Katlyn Geldert
Donor Services Assistant

Fall 2016 was one for the record books for me. I got married, the Cubs won the World Series, and I was hired at the Elks National Foundation in the Donor Services Department! All three amazing and life changing events. 


The Wedding

As 2016 ended on such a high note, I am really excited for 2017. It’s going to be a great year! It’s already off to a fantastic start, as I am loving my role as a Donor Services Assistant. I enjoy processing donations as well as seeing the high level of fellowship and support throughout the Elks communities.

During my work week, I send out acknowledgement letters to thank those who have donated. I also spend time working on adjustments to donations to make sure that the correct donors are credited for their generous gifts. Most days, I process donation information that comes through our bank’s website and through online remittances. I update donation totals and per-member-giving standings weekly on the ENF website. I have many different tasks to get done, but it has been very engaging because I am constantly learning new aspects of working for a non-profit from my lovely coworkers.
Hannah (L) and Katlyn (R)

One of my favorite things about working for the ENF, in addition to my kind and hilarious coworkers, is the amazing architecture of the Elks National Memorial. Even after

working here for two months, walking through the rotunda is still a breathtaking experience. I feel exceptionally lucky to work in a building that is so aesthetically alluring.

I enjoy how different my job at the ENF is from my previous jobs. Before coming to work here, I was a teacher for five years. I am very thankful for the amazing and unexpected experiences teaching gave me. I have always loved to travel and teaching gave me the opportunity to do that! Right after graduating college, I traveled through Peru then I moved to Incheon, South Korea to teach kindergarten and elementary school for over a year. During that time, I met some of my best friends and was able to explore Korea, Thailand, and Japan.

When I returned home to Minnesota, I started substitute teaching and then I was offered a job here in Chicago to work at a Montessori school. For the past three years, most of my interactions at work have been with students aged three to six. Since joining the ENF, it has been a nice change of pace to interact with my current coworkers. No one has cried or spit on me when excitedly telling me a story, yet. 
Katlyn visiting Machu Picchu in Peru

Thank you for reading about all things Katlyn! I hope you are having a wonderful New Year. If you have any questions regarding your donations, please feel free to reach out to me at katlyng@elks.org or at 773/755-4862.
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