Elks National Foundation Blog

by Jim O'Kelley, Director Elks National Foundation My wife likes to say that my family has “the circus gene.” Maybe she’s right. My mom always wanted to be an actress, and my younger sister is one. (Perhaps you’ve seen her in such shows as The New Adventures of Old Christine and Devious Maids .) My sister, the actress. As for me, I’ve been known to dazzle karaoke crowds with my powerful rendition of “Wonderwall.” However, mostly I prefer to watch other people perform. Especially in the summer. One of my favorite ways to beat the heat is to take in a movie. Of course, with two small children, I don’t get to the movies as often as I’d like, nor can I always find two hours to watch one at home. Sound familiar? Well, guess what? You’re going to love our YouTube channel . The ENF has been cranking out short films this year—we’ve produced 21 since the Hoop Shoot in April. There are a couple of long-form interviews among them, but most are pretty short—between 2 a...

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 .