Elks National Foundation Blog

by Grace Roebuck Most Valuable Student Scholar My name is Grace Roebuck and I am a freshman at Vassar College. I’m undecided major wise, but enjoy using art as a medium for social advocacy in humanitarian crises. I’m currently in the process of bringing the “Red Sand Project” by Molly Gocham to Vassar, to raise awareness for human trafficking. My passion for social justice is what led me to apply for the Winter Elks Scholar Service Trip.  Fourteen hours there, 14.5 hours back. Living in Rhode Island, my travel should have been about 12 hours total, but alas the weather had other plans. That being said, I would do it all over again or even drive to Dallas if I could relive the trip. This trip was one of the single most incredible experiences of my life. The connections I made with the people experiencing poverty and homelessness (our “neighbors”) and the other volunteers were invaluable.  We are all rich and poor in different ways. Every person you meet has the ab

  by Kyle Bort An Emergency Educational Grant Scholarship Recipient During the Winter Elks Scholar Service Trip, I had the opportunity to redefine my perspective regarding the social problems of poverty and homelessness. While serving alongside 20 other Elks Scholars in Dallas, I learned many things about what it means to spend a week serving my neighbors.  This was my second service trip through the Elks National Foundation. As an Emergency Education Grant recipient, the Foundation has made education possible for me by offering a grant to children of deceased or totally disabled Elks members. My farther, Bill Bort, always stressed the importance of service. I can remember many times when I served alongside him. He had the ability to bring joy and hope to the people around him. John Quincy Adams onc e stated “If your actions inspire others, to dream more, learn more, do more, and become more, you are a leader.” This is a quote that I believe my father understo

 by Blaire Shaffer Communications Assistant After graduating from Luther College with a major in Communication Studies, I found myself in Chicago, and like many other graduates, I embarked on a massive job hunt. A PR and social media internship with a Humane Society created my desire to pursue a career in the   non-profit sector. So, I was thrilled by the prospect of working as the Elks National Foundation’s Communications Assistant.  I feel very lucky and honored to be given the opportunity to share news about the ENF as well as service work done by Elks through writing and social media! I have only been working at the ENF for a little over two months now, yet each day has been filled with fascinating lessons and challenges. It has been wonderful to work in a place with extremely kind and funny co-workers, who have all been incredibly welcoming from my very first day. I am looking forward to April, because I am excited to experience the Hoop Shoot National Finals and

  by Jenna Johnson Elks Scholar Fellow, Scholarships The Winter Elks Scholar Service Trip was a success, and it was a privilege to start off the new year serving with my Elks family. While in Dallas, I was reminded of how fortunate I am to spend a week learning from Elks scholars from around the U.S. My job is a joy and I know I will walk away from every trip challenged and encouraged in new ways. I was also reminded of what a unique connection we share as Elks scholars. Despite our differences, we share similarity in having received a scholarship from the Elks National Foundation that provides an abundance of opportunities for further connection. And, I got to witness 19 people seize an opportunity by attending an Elks Scholar Service Trip and go from sharing a scholarship to sharing life together through service.  Over the course of our week, I watched the scholars invest in one another while they invested in the people they were serving. Whether sorting vegetable