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My First Spring with the ENF


by Katlyn Geldert
Donor Services Assistant

Happy June from Donor Services! I cannot believe that it is already June. Spring seemed to zoom by, and what a few months it was. With the close of the fiscal year, the MVS Leadership Weekend, and the Hoop Shoot National Finals all happening within weeks of one another, the excitement was infectious among the Elks National Foundation staff. We all pulled together when it was needed. It created a fantastic sense of comradery. I loved getting a glimpse into what the other departments in the ENF have been working on.

With the fiscal year ending March 31, everyone in the Donor Services Department was extremely busy. At the beginning of April, we finished up processing the generous donations from Elks across the country to officially close the 2016-17 Fiscal Year. During the last few weeks of March we had a significant surge in the number of online remittances being sent in, my fellow Donor Services Assistant, Hannah, and I were hard at work to keep up with processing those.

Not only were Elks sending in their donations in the mail, they were calling to make credit card donations over the phone. Some of the best parts of my day are getting to chat with Elks on the phone. I love getting to hear all about their Lodges and the amazing work they are doing in their communities. The whole of Elkdom should be very proud as we closed the fiscal year with a record breaking per-member-giving total of $8.151!
While I loved taking part in my first close, it was the Hoop Shoot National Finals that was my absolute favorite part of Spring!
I got to greet families at O’Hare International Airport as they arrived in Chicago for the big weekend. Everyone’s energy level was high even after hours of traveling. The faces of those competing lit up when they saw the sign welcoming them as finalists. All their hard work and grit had paid off. They were finally in Chicago!
The families and friends of the finalists were beaming with pride as many sported some very colorful and elaborate Elk Hoop Shoot jackets. The Hoop Shoot National Finals is a perfect example of the support across generations and the sense of community that the Elks cultivates. It makes me feel so lucky to be working at the ENF!
My first Spring at the Elks National Foundation was such a blast and a bit of a blur if I am honest. I can’t wait for next year!
A 501(c)(3) public charity, the Elks National Foundation helps Elks build stronger communities through programs that support youth, serve veterans and meet needs in areas where Elks live and work. For more information on the ENF, visit elks.org/enf.
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