Elks National Foundation Blog

Greenwood, Miss., Lodge No. 854 With the help of the Elks from Greenwood, Miss., Lodge No. 854, Sgt. John Pittman Drive—a major route in the city of Greenwood—is looking more beautiful than ever. The Lodge used an Elks National Foundation Beacon Grant to partner with Boy Scout Troop 200, the Greenwood Department of Public Works, and local volunteers to improve the appearance of this major road.    Thanks to the hard work and dedication of all the individuals involved in making this project a success, 214 trees were planted along the route. “The Lodge came together and made this a success,” says Community Investments Program Project Manager Walter Jordan. “More members and citizens have expressed a desire to participate in the continuation of the project 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 ...

by Programs Assistant Sarah Louderman Due to my brother’s poor timing picking a wedding date, I unfortunately did not have the chance to attend the Elks National Convention in New Orleans this past summer. Thankfully though, the Elks National Foundation was invited to attend the Illinois Elks Convention. The IEA wants to encourage more Lodges to apply for Community Investments Program grants, so our two-person grant department of Programs Associate, Mary Morgan , and I traveled to Springfield for the weekend. Mary and I arrived in Springfield late Friday morning and were greeted by many friendly Elks who helped us set up a conference room for office hours. We held office hours and assisted visitors with general information about the Community Investments Program. Afterwards, we walked to the Abraham Lincoln Museum and Library and spent the end of the afternoon touring the spectacular exhibits and perusing the gift shop. Once we returned from our museum visit, we went to the top f...

An Elks National Foundation Beacon Grant has helped the Elks find the right balance. Using its Beacon Grant, Blue Springs, Mo., Lodge No. 2509 partnered with a local nursing home to provide fall prevention classes for residents, helping them prevent injuries. For each therapy session, Elks set up the classroom, served as spotters, and assisted the instructor with client evaluations. Thanks to this beneficial program, residents’ balance has improved, helping them feel safer and steadier in their homes. “I tested much better at the end of the program than at the initial evaluation,” says one client. Through Beacon Grants, the Elks National Foundation gives Lodges the opportunity to develop an ongoing, charitable, Elks-driven community project. These $2,000 grants are available to all Lodges. To find out more about Beacon Grants and the Community Investments Program, visit www.elks.org/enf/community .

Lake of the Ozarks, Mo., Lodge No. 2517 Not even the polar vortex this winter could stop the Elks from helping community members in need! Using an Elks National Foundation Beacon Grant , Lake of the Ozarks, Mo., Lodge No. 2517 purchased and distributed coats, hats, shoes, gloves and jeans for local youth in need. Elks partnered with the Osage Upper Elementary School to determine which students would benefit most from new cold-weather gear. Thanks to the Beacon Grant, the Lake of the Ozarks Elks provided winter supplies for 44 students—and found 44 new friends! “Thank you for your kindness,” says Osage Upper Elementary School Counselor Beverly Kincade. “We are blessed to live in such a caring community. Your generosity has made a difference in the lives of children.” Don’t miss the opportunity to serve your community with $2,000! Beacon Grants, available to every Lodge, help Lodges like Lake of the Ozarks hold ongoing, Elks-led charitable projects. Don’t wait! Applicati...

Lake Sammamish, Wash., Lodge No. 1843 From Sochi to Washington, the world is focused on winter sports and Elks from Lake Sammamish, Wash., Lodge No. 1843 are going for the gold! Using an Elks National Foundation Beacon Grant , the Lodge partnered with the Cascade Snow Drifters Snowmobile Club to take local Wounded Warrior veterans on a snowmobiling trip through the mountains. To warm up after the trip, Elks invited the vets to the Lodge for an evening of food and fellowship. Thanks to the Beacon Grant, the community is rooting for Team Elks! “Our partnership with the Cascade Drifters has grown thanks to the Beacon Grant,” says Community Investments Program Project Manager Erica Sargeant. “Our Lodge plans to continue this project on a yearly basis.” Don’t miss the opportunity to serve your community with $2,000! Beacon Grants, available to every Lodge, help Lodges like Lake Sammamish hold ongoing, Elks-led charitable projects. Don’t wait! Applications for 2013-14 Beacon Grants ...

Coshocton, Ohio, Lodge No. 376   For the Elks in Coshocton, Ohio, family safety is a number one priority. Using an Elks National Foundation Beacon Grant , Coshocton, Ohio, Lodge No. 376 partnered with the local fire department to provide smoke detectors and home safety tips for families without smoke detectors in their homes. “Coshocton has many families in need,” says Community Investments Program Project Manager Marilyn Griffis. “We were able to give supplies and support to community members whose homes lacked smoke detectors.” The Beacon Grant project raised the Lodge’s profile in the community, motivating some of the local firefighters to join the Lodge. “The fire department was overjoyed to help with this event,” says Griffis. “The community got to see how the Elks are interested in helping those in need.” Don’t miss the opportunity to serve your community with $2,000! Beacon Grants, available to every Lodge, help Lodges like Coshocton hold ongoing, Elks-led chari...

Van Wert, Ohio, Lodge No. 1197 Up, up and away! Using an Elks National Foundation Beacon Grant , Elks from Van Wert, Ohio, Lodge No. 1197 partnered with the Van Wert hospital, local senior homes, local support groups for people with disabilities, and the Van Wert Regional Airport to provide hot air balloon rides for community members with special needs. The Elks stayed grounded, helping riders in and out of the wheelchair accessible balloon and offering food and friendship to guests. Thanks to the Beacon Grant, the Elks were able to connect with local organizations and give community members in need an uplifting, memorable experience. “This is my first time in a balloon,” says local nursing home resident Rita Clapp. “My whole family came to watch!” Through Beacon Grants, the Elks National Foundation gives Lodges the opportunity to develop an ongoing, charitable, Elks-driven community project. These $2,000 grants are available to all Lodges. To find out more about Beacon Grant...

Cedar City, Utah, Lodge No. 1556   Youth in Cedar City, Utah can see clearly now thanks to the Elks. Using an Elks National Foundation Beacon Grant , Cedar City, Utah, Lodge No. 1556 partnered with Southern Utah Vision, local schools, and a local eye doctor to start Code Glasses, providing eye care for youth in need. After Elks performed preliminary eye exams at the Lodge, they took families to the local eye doctor for a follow-up exam and ensured every child in need of glasses received a pair. “Thank you, Elks Lodge. Now I can see the world much brighter,” reads a note from Zandihr, who benefitted from Code Glasses. Thanks to the Beacon Grant, the Cedar City Elks provided support and a healthy start for youth in need. The project also reenergized Lodge members, motivating them to get involved with the Lodge’s community service. “This project was a success,” says Community Investments Program Project Manager JoAnn Aldridge. “Even members that aren’t involved in the L...

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...

Pocatello, Idaho, Lodge No.674 The Elks from Pocatello, Idaho, Lodge No. 674 know the truth in the saying, “It takes a village to raise a child.” Using Elks National Foundation Beacon and Gratitude Grants , the Lodge partnered with local food banks, the school district and family resource centers to start the Kid’s Closet to provide needed supplies for youth in need. The Lodge purchased and collected clothing and hygiene items, and packed and distributed the kits. With help from the Elks, local children of all ages received the supplies and support they needed. Thanks to ENF grants, the Pocatello Elks have formed lasting relationships with other local organizations, reenergized membership, and publicized the Lodge to community members. “The Kid’s Closet allows us to have a project we are proud of while showing community members what the Elks can do,” says Project Manager Sera White. “It gives people a reason to join our organization.” The Elks National Foundation helps Lod...

Sarah Louderman Programs Assistant Community Investments Program Sarah just started in her position as Programs Assistant, and she already feels the love from grateful grant recipients. How long have you worked at the ENF? November will be two years. It’s gone by quickly, but I’ve learned so much. What projects are you/your department working on right now? I’m wrapping up as Donor Services Assistant and training for my new position as Programs Assistant working with the Community Investments Program . Programs is reviewing submitted Beacon and Gratitude Grant applications as well as Final Report Forms from completed grant projects. We’re also gearing up for the Impact Grant announcement at the end of ENF Month. What are you doing to celebrate ENF Month? I’m celebrating by reading 25 Lodges in 25 Days on the ENF website. It’s one of the best parts of ENF Month! What’s your favorite part of working at the ENF? My favorite part is hearing about how the Elks and ...

Mary Morgan Programs Associate Community Investments Program Mary proudly displays thank-you letters from grateful ENF G rant recipients. How long have you worked at the ENF? I’ve worked for the ENF for 5 years. What projects are you/your department working on right now? Right now, the Community Investments Program is busy! We’ve just awarded all 500 Promise Grants . 2013-14 Beacon and Gratitude Grants are online now. We’ve also enlisted the help of many ENF staff members to help evaluate Impact Grant submissions. Applications are being scored every day in preparation for the big October 30 announcement . What are you doing to celebrate ENF Month? I’m celebrating ENF month by awarding grants to Lodges to hold great, charitable projects.  What’s your favorite part of working at the ENF? My favorite part of working at the ENF is getting to speak with volunteers every day. I know it takes time and commitment to plan projects, recruit volunteers, reach out th...

Weehawken, N.J., Lodge No. 1456 Weehawken, N.J. is a more beautiful place thanks to the Elks! Using an Elks National Foundation Beacon Grant , Weehawken, N.J., Lodge No. 1456 partnered with local Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, a teen peer leadership group, and other high school students to plant a garden surrounding Weehawken Town Hall. The students gave this project two green thumbs up! They enjoyed digging in the dirt, and working alongside other local youth and the Elks. To keep the plants and their new friendships thriving, the Elks plan to tend to the community garden year-round. “The Lodge furthered its status in the community by working with youth on this visible project,” says Project Manager Thomas Rovito. “We plan to plant more next year, and cultivate this project for years to come.” Does your Lodge want to be featured on the ENF blog or other ENF pages? Simply submit fabulous Final Report Forms! Include project successes, feedback from the Lodge and community, and ...

Franklin, N.H., Lodge No. 1280 When you think of famous trailblazers, who come to mind? Lewis and Clark? Daniel Boone? The Franklin Elks? Armed with their gear and an Elks National Foundation Beacon Grant , members of Franklin, N.H., Lodge No. 1280 partnered with local Boy Scouts and mapped hiking trails throughout the Great Gains Memorial Forest in Franklin, N.H. The Elks and the scouts headed out into the wilderness, cleared two trails, and built two bridges and a picnic table. To encourage all kinds of exercise, the Elks and their new partners are working year-round to finish walking, biking, mountain biking and cross-country skiing trails. And that’s only Stage 1. The Elks anticipate that the entire project will take four to five years to complete. With the support of the ENF Beacon Grant, they are looking forward to working with the Boy Scouts every step of the way. “Our project utilizes a very valuable local resource, offering residents a new outdoor experience,” says Pro...

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...

  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 ...

Palm Coast, Fla., Lodge No. 2709 It’s raining cats and dogs…and Elks! Using an Elks National Foundation Beacon Grant , Palm Coast, Fla., Lodge No. 2709 partnered with the local humane society to ensure that abandoned pets were welcomed into new, caring homes. The Elks’ adopt-a-thon helped to reduce the number of animals in local shelters and increase the number of pet-loving families in the community. Elks brought together community members at the Lodge to adopt adorable cats and dogs. Guests left with new furry family members and new friends in the Elks. Thanks to the Beacon Grant event, the Palm Coast Lodge gained five new members. “Finding families for our animals is very important to us,” says Mari Molina, Executive Director of Flagler Cats, a local animal shelter. “That’s why the Elks’ adopt-a-thon was a great event. It brought the community together and showed how the Elks are there for the community.” Through Beacon Grants, the Elks National Foundation gives Lodges t...

Kinderhook, N.Y., Lodge No. 2530 “What kind of dress should I buy? How much will a limousine cost? Who will be my date?” This is only the beginning of the long list of worries of students attending their high school prom. The Elks at Kinderhook, N.Y., Lodge No. 2530 know how hectic prom season can be for teens. To create a stress-free night for local youth, the Lodge used an Elks National Foundation Beacon Grant to host a prom for developmentally disabled teens. With the Elks as party leaders, the prom was a night to remember! Elks prepared and served dinner for 100 guests, then cleared the floor for a night of dancing and socializing. The Beacon Grant allowed the Kinderhook Elks to reach out beyond their Lodge and serve others in the community. “The prom was a tremendous success,” says Project Manager Jerry Shook. “Our guests and their families couldn’t express enough gratitude for giving the teens a night to enjoy themselves.” Through Beacon Grants, the Elks N...

South Hillsborough, Fla., Lodge No. 2672   It might sound like American Idol is taping a new episode, but the singers you hear on Fridays at South Hillsborough, Fla., Lodge No. 2672 aren’t competing for a recording contract. It’s the Lodge’s karaoke night with the James Haley Veterans Hospital. Veterans in the transition program come to the Lodge every other Friday for fellowship, food, and a turn at the microphone. The Lodge used an Elks National Foundation Beacon Grant to expand the event to twice a month, and to provide these veterans with personal items they need. Through Beacon Grants, the Elks National Foundation gives Lodges the opportunity to develop an ongoing, charitable, Elks-driven community project. These $1,000 grants are available to all Lodges. To find out more about Beacon Grants and the Community Investments Program, visit www.elks.org/enf/community .

Sparks, Nev., Lodge No. 2397 Elks at Sparks, Nev., Lodge No. 2397 launched a brand-new tradition of giving back to veterans in need. Using an Elks National Foundation Beacon Grant , the Lodge participated in its community’s first Stand Down for Veterans. The Elks distributed sweatshirts, socks and pants to an estimated 150 veterans in attendance. Members also solicited donations and discounts from local stores to stretch their grant funds as far as possible. The Lodge plans on being a part of this annual event for years to come. Through Beacon Grants, the Elks National Foundation gives Lodges the opportunity to develop an ongoing, charitable, Elks-driven community project. These $1,000 grants are available to all Lodges. To find out more about Beacon Grants and the Community Investments Program, visit www.elks.org/enf/community .