Elks National Foundation Blog

Coshocton, Ohio, Lodge No. 376 The future of stronger communities begins with youth, and Coshocton, Ohio is off to a great start. Using an Elks National Foundation Promise Grant , Coshocton, Ohio, Lodge No. 376 held events to motivate local youth to be active in the community. Meals for Many To encourage sportsmanship among youth, the Elks prepared spaghetti dinners for sports teams from two local high schools before their competitions. These students left knowing they have the support of the Elks as they continue to serve their community in the future.  “The students learned about the Elks from these dinners,” says Project Manager Marilyn Griffis. “The dinners helped community members realize how the Elks benefit the community.” A Big Splash Elks want local youth to have a bright future. The Coshocton Elks partnered with a youth ministry organization to hold a Drug Awareness pool party for more than 100 local kids. At the party, Elks taught the children about the importanc...

Potsdam, N.Y., Lodge No. 2074 Every year, Potsdam, N.Y., Lodge No. 2074 teams up with the city to hold a youth day. Elks rent inflatable houses for children, educate parents and children about drug awareness and act as chaperones for the popular event, made possible by an Elks National Foundation Promise Grant .  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 youth in their community. To find out more about Promise Grants and the Community Investments Program, visit www.elks.org/enf/community . 

Camden, Tenn., Lodge No. 2156 Camden, Tenn., Lodge No. 2156 used its Community Investments Program Promise Grant to teach local children about healthy living. Elks partnered with a local soccer association to hold a kick-off day for the popular league. Children who attended learned soccer skills, and visited with Elroy the Elk who taught them the importance of staying drug free. 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 youth in their community. To find out more about Promise Grants and the Community Investments Program, visit www.elks.org/enf/community .

Oak Ridge, Tenn., Lodge No . 1684 A concertgoer takes advantage of the free face painting! Oak Ridge, Tenn., Lodge No. 1684 used its Community Investments Program Promise Grant to hold five separate Drug Free Safe Zone concerts! The concerts, geared specifically toward providing a drug-free environment for youth, were a big hit. Popular local bands played music for kids ages 2 to 18, and each guest received a healthy meal and drug education materials. 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 youth in their community. To find out more about Promise Grants and the Community Investments Program, visit www.elks.org/enf/community .

Kearney, Nebr., Lodge No. 984 Thanks to the members of Kearney, Nebr., Lodge No. 984, Buffalo County is covered in red ribbons! Elks made sure all students observed Red Ribbon Week by wearing red ribbons, learning the dangers of drug and alcohol use and abuse, and committing to drug-free lives. With their $2,000 Promise Grant , Elks partnered with Positive Pressure, a workgroup of Buffalo County Community Partners, to spread the drug-free message to all local schools by distributing Elks drug awareness materials and empowering students to make healthy choices. “The Kearney Elks are honored to participate in Red Ribbon Week, and encourage everyone to pledge to say no to drugs,” said Doug Kramer, Lodge Drug Awareness Chair.  In 2011-12, the Elks National Foundation allocated $715,350 to fund the Elks National Drug Awareness Program. For more information on the Drug Awareness Program and Red Ribbon Week, visit www.elks.org/dap . 

Gardner, Mass., Lodge No. 1426 Gardner, Mass., Lodge No. 1426 used its Promise Grant to hold Gardner’s first annual Kids Safety Day. Elks partnered with the Police and Fire Departments to teach more than 160 children about fire safety, bike safety and drug awareness. Attendees played games, won prizes, met Elroy the Elk, and received a free bike helmet. The day was a huge success! The ENF awards $2,000 Promise Grants to the first 500 Lodges that pledge to host an event that helps build the character and competence of youth in their community. To find out more about Promise Grants, visit www.elks.org/enf/community .