Elks National Foundation Blog

Goodland, Kan., Lodge No. 1528 The Elks at Goodland, Kan., Lodge No. 1528 spread healthy eating habits to the community! Using an Elks National Foundation Gratitude Grant , the Goodland Lodge provided healthy afternoon snacks for students in need at a local elementary school. Throughout the school year, Elks prepared and delivered nutritious food to students and teachers in need two days each week. The Elks enjoyed providing a variety of fruits and veggies and the students enjoyed trying them all! “We gave the students the opportunity to try many different kinds of fruits and vegetables,” says Project Manager Zona Price. “They were treated to berries, melons, pineapple, broccoli, cauliflower, asparagus and much more.” With the help of the Gratitude Grant, the Elks encourage students to eat healthily—a message that some do not receive at home. “Keeping our children safe and healthy is our first and foremost concern,” says School District Superintendent Bill Biermann. “P...

Pierre, S.D., Lodge No. 1953 Elks go fly a kite, up to the highest heights! To teach children about fun and safe outdoor activities, Pierre, S.D., Lodge No. 1953 used an Elks National Foundation Promise Grant to teach local youth this classic activity.   Elks helped more than 200 kids assemble their own kites and release them into the clear blue sky. The youth—and their kites—were lighter than air as the Elks taught them the ins and out and ups and down of flying a kite. The Promise Grant enabled the Elks to start a healthy trend for local youth. “A few days after the event, we saw kids flying our kites in the park,” says Project Manager Lorie Pogany. “They had a wonderful time learning a new outdoor activity.” 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 local youth. To find out more about Promise Grants and the Community Investments Program, vis...

Negaunee, Mich., Lodge No. 1116 To encourage youth to stay active, Negaunee, Mich., Lodge No. 1116 used an Elks National Foundation Promise Grant to host a bike parade for local youth. Kids decorated their bikes and rode them through town, accompanied by their families and the Elks. Even the smallest members of the community—pulled in wagons and strollers—joined in the day of sunshine and healthy choices. After the parade, Elks treated participants to lunch. The Elks also organized games and Drug Awareness activities to promote overall good health. “Many groups came together to make the bike parade a success,” says Project Manager Peter Gadzinski. “We provided an activity that showed what the Elks do for the community.” 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 local youth. To find out more about Promise Grants and the Community Investments Program, visit...

Vincennes, Ind., Lodge No. 291 In partnership with the local YMCA, Elks at Vincennes, Ind., Lodge No. 291 helped local kids swim, bike and run their way to a healthy lifestyle. Using an Elks National Foundation Gratitude Grant , the Lodge sponsored a kids’ triathlon. The Elks were on hand throughout the race to direct participants at each transition point. All 247 young triathletes ran across the finish line to a cheering crowd of Elks, who were ready to award medals to each tenacious competitor. The Elks National Foundation helps Lodges serve their communities by offering $2,000 Gratitude Grants. Lodges are eligible to apply for Gratitude Grants after meeting the National President’s per-capita goal for Foundation giving. To find out more about Gratitude Grants and the Community Investments Program, visit www.elks.org/enf/community .