Elks National Foundation Blog

by 2016 Elks Scholar Alum of the Year, Capt. Rachel M. Russo, MD, MAS Today is an historic day. We faced an unprecedented election between two rivals, a woman and a businessman. With many Americans holding strong opinions about the outcome, we are all experiencing the emotions that come along with electing a new president. It is a time to reach out to each other and celebrate the things we have in common as we all move forward together. The rights to vote, to express dissenting opinions, and to come together in unity are freedoms that have been hard-earned by the men and women of this country over generations. Since World War II the Elks National Veterans Service Commission has been dedicated to serving these men and women who spent their lives securing our freedoms. In this month of November, Veteran’s Remembrance Month, I’d like to say thank you to the Elks, and to all of my fellow veterans and military members for their unwavering commitment. As Americans, we all want...

by Jim O'Kelley, Director Elks National Foundation Last month, for the second straight month, we put the Elks Veterans Memorial to good use serving homeless veterans. Back in November, we ran a neighborhood clothing drive right out of the Rotunda. This time around, we hosted various stakeholders in Chicago's fight to end veteran homelessness for dinner and discussion in the Grand Reception Room. The event drew some heavy hitters. Guests included representatives from Senator Dick Durbin's office, the mayor's office, two of the three VA medical centers serving the metropolitan area, and three area non-profits. The Elks were well represented as well, of course. Grand Secretary Bryan Klatt was there, as were Past National President Paul Helsel, a member of the Elks National Veterans Service Commission, and Mary Morgan, the director of the Commission. Paul Helsel talks about what the Elks can contribute to the effort. (That's me in the foreground at left, list...

Jocelyn Moya ENF Programs Assistant   Stand down for veterans, that’s what! For those of you who are unfamiliar, a stand down is an event where community organizations come together for one or several days to provide supplies and services to homeless veterans. Stand downs vary from place to place but often include items such as clothing, food, basic necessities, and services or referrals to services such as medical treatment, housing, or job training. You can find a list of some of the stand downs happening across the country here, www.va.gov/homeless/events.asp . On Tuesday, I—alongside my Elks Family—was lucky enough to take part in one of these great events. I had never participated in a stand down before so I had no idea what to expect. I was honestly imagining a much smaller event with about a 1/3 of the number of people. When we walked in at 11:00 a.m. the Humboldt Park Armory was packed full of veterans waiting to receive supplies and services. I spoke to several vete...

Vincennes, Ind., Lodge No. 291 Elks from Vincennes, Ind., Lodge No. 291 never imagined they’d be able to serve every veteran living in nearby nursing homes. Thanks to an Elks National Foundation Gratitude Grant , the Vincennes Elks were able to do just that! Using the Gratitude Grant, Elks purchased and packaged more than 95 bags—one for each local veteran—full of household supplies, flashlights, calendars and writing utensils. Lodge members delivered the bags to the assisted living homes, providing the veterans with needed supplies, friendship and support. “Among the veterans were those with little to no local contacts,” says Community Investments Program Project Manager Vernon Houchins. “Our Lodge took pride in serving these veterans in need.” 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-member goal for giving to the Foundati...

Fountain Hills, Ariz., Lodge No. 2846   Veterans in need living in Fountain Hills, Ariz. know they can count on the Elks for support. Using an Elks National Foundation Gratitude Grant , Fountain Hills, Ariz., Lodge No. 2846 partnered with local VA hospitals to purchase and deliver household items, books, magazines and movies to veteran residents. To let active military members know they have the support of the Elks at home and overseas, the Fountain Hills Elks also prepared gifts for those serving in Afghanistan. Thanks to the Gratitude Grant, the Lodge gained seven new members and showed the community that the Elks are there for veterans in need. “This project furthered our image as a force for positive change in the community,” says Community Investments Program Project Manager Max Love. “We are seen as an organization that can be counted on to support veterans and our military.” Don’t miss the opportunity to serve your community with $2,000! Gratitude Grants, whic...

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 ...

Henriette Pruger Donor Services Coordinator If you've sent in a donation to the ENF , Henri's processed it! How long have you been working at the ENF? I am an oldie. I have been here for close to 32 years. I have never been someone who likes change. I like stability. It may not be an active position. As long as contributions come in, we will continue to process them. The funds we receive help pay for college scholarships , veteran projects and drug awareness . They not only help fellow Elk members, but they also help the community. What projects are you/your department working on right now? At the moment, we are just trying to keep up. Donor Services’ work demand has increased lately and we need to keep on top of it. The new thing I am doing is submitting gift batches. We are short a person and I am helping out. I am the person you call on in times of emergency. I have always been reliable. In addition to these duties, we will be shortly doing weekly recognitio...

  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 ...

 Union, N.J., Lodge No. 1583 Life’s a picnic when shared with the Elks. With the help of an Elks National Foundation Gratitude Grant , Union, N.J., Lodge No. 1583 collaborated with the Lodge’s Veterans’ Committee to host a picnic for veterans living at two local VA hospitals. The picnic allowed the veterans to spend the day in the sun and the fresh air. As some Elks cooked fresh hamburgers and steak sandwiches, others provided good company. The Elks ensured that the veterans left with everything they needed—a full stomach, new friends, clothing, and coupons for the hospital commissary. “The veterans were able to sit, talk and eat on this beautiful day,” says Project Manager Danielle Reed. “It was great the Lodge, the Veterans’ Committee and the VA hospital could work together to make this a special day. We had a wonderful time serving those who served our country.” Did your Lodge meet the National President’s per-member-giving goal in 2012-13? There is still time to apply ...

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 .

Pittsburg, Kan., Lodge No. 412 Pittsburg, Kan., Lodge No. 412 brought together 60 veterans from local nursing facilities for a night of entertainment. Using an Elks National Foundation Gratitude Grant , the Elks hosted dinner and a show for the men and women of honor. The members knew the event was a major success as soon as their guests clamored for an encore from the puppeteer—one of the night’s entertainment acts. Each veteran left with a gift box and the knowledge that the Elks are always there for them. 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 .   

Lebanon, N.H., Lodge No. 2099 For homeless veterans, a secure place to sleep can be the ticket to a fresh start. Elks at Lebanon, N.H., Lodge No. 2099 helped homeless veterans in their community get this fresh start by providing furniture for a local residential facility. Using its Elks National Foundation Gratitude Grant , the Lodge teamed up with Harbor Homes to furnish bedrooms for six homeless veterans.  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-member goal for Foundation giving. To find out more about Gratitude 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 .

Garland, Texas, Lodge No. 1984 Veterans at the Dallas VA Medical Center can count on Garland, Texas, Lodge No. 1984 for support and fellowship. The Lodge uses its ENF Gratitude Grant to host a variety of activities for veterans at the hospital. Elks travel to the medical center once a month to host Bingo. In partnership with the Boy Scouts, Elks distribute food, books and clothes to everyone who participates. The Lodge also hosts a cook-out for these veterans, complete with a horseshoe tournament and karaoke contest. 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-member goal for Foundation giving. To find out more about Gratitude Grants and the Community Investments Program, visit www.elks.org/enf/community .   

By Programs Associate Mary Morgan In June, I attended a few days of the National Conference on Volunteering and Service . Knowing the passion many Elks have for supporting veterans, I attended speeches and sessions geared toward effectively serving veterans, active-duty military members and their families. Along the way, I met many wonderful people and learned about many great organizations dedicated to doing just that. General George W. Casey While there were no cookie-cutter solutions offered, there were a great many small success stories offered from around the nation. Most of those solutions started locally, a point which would come up again when I went to hear a speech by General George W. Casey on how communities can aid veterans. General Casey is a retired United States Army General, and served as the 36th Chief of Staff of the United States Army. His speech, entitled “All the Way Home,” kicked off the last day of the conference and focused on ways to help veterans, se...

Bay City, Mich., Lodge No. 88 In Bay City, Mich., veterans know the Elks care. Bay City, Mich., Lodge No. 88 used its Elks National Foundation Gratitude Grant to plan a great day out for veterans in partnership with the National Guard and a local veterans’ group. Elks provided food, support and publicity for the Walleyes for Warriors event. “We have a passion for supporting those that served," says Project Manager Anthony Bosco, a Vietnam veteran himself. "We are planning of having this event again next year.”  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. To find out more about Gratitude Grants and the Community Investments Program, visit www.elks.org/enf/community .   

Bryan, Tex., Lodge No. 859 Bryan, Tex., Lodge No. 859 partnered with the local VFW to reach out to all veterans. Elks used their Community Investments Program Gratitude Grant to provide a free catfish dinner for the veterans, during which the Lodge honored veterans' contributions with a ceremony. More than 200 people attended the dinner. “Vets from all over came, ate a great meal and felt proud to have served our nation,” says Lodge Secretary Anna Perez. The ENF awards $2,000 Gratitude Grants to Lodges to directly address local needs. Lodges are eligible to apply for Gratitude Grants after meeting the GER’s per-capita goal. To find out more about Gratitude Grants and the Community Investments Program, visit www.elks.org/enf/community .   

Golden, Colo., Lodge No. 2740 Elks from Golden, Colo., Lodge No. 2740 used their Freedom Grant to supply clothes for veterans in need.The Elks also volunteered at a local stand down, during which 500 veterans got medical and dental check-ups, learned about VA benefits and received housing assistance. Elks helped with transportation, and the Elks’ presence reminded veterans that they will never be forgotten. Funded by the Elks National Foundation, Freedom Grants, a component of the Elks National Veterans Service Commission, are $2,000 grants that Lodges can use to help veterans or active duty military personnel. In 2011-12, the Elks National Foundation allocated more than $1.135 million to fund the Elks National Veterans Service Commission. For more information, visit www.elks.org/programs/vets.cfm .

Bridgeport, Conn., Lodge No. 36 Bridgeport, Conn., Lodge No. 36 supports veterans in need all year with its Impact Grant , Serving Those Who Served. Elks provide a well-balanced meal once a month, organize holiday outings and purchase much-needed supplies for veterans at the Home for the Brave transitional center. The ENF awards Impact Grants to help Lodges significantly address unmet needs in Elks communities. Impact Grants are competitive grants worth up to $10,000 and are open to all Lodges. To find out more about Impact Grants, visit www.elks.org/enf/community .

Plainview, Tex., Lodge No. 1175 Plainview, Tex., Lodge No. 1175 worked with teachers, parents and children to build a “Garden of Honor” at a local junior high school, commemorating the military. Elks used their Gratitude Grant to support the project. The Lodge hopes that the garden makes students proud of those serving our country! The ENF awards Gratitude Grants to Lodges to directly address local needs. Lodges are eligible to apply for Gratitude Grants after meeting the GER’s per-capita goal. To find out more about Gratitude Grants, visit www.elks.org/enf/community .