Elks National Foundation Blog

Islip, N.Y., Lodge No. 2533 President Bush hails from New Haven, Conn. President Truman grew up in Independence, Mo., and President Jefferson was born in Shadwell, Va. The Elks hope that in 2036, our nation’s President calls Islip, N.Y. home. To help youth learn more about public service, Islip, N.Y., Lodge No. 2533 used an Elks National Foundation Promise Grant to teach middle school students about Islip’s local government. The Elks and the students explored Islip by meeting with the town supervisor, visiting Town Hall, and touring local facilities like the airport and the recycling center. After their educational morning, Elks treated the students to lunch in town, where they talked about what they learned on their trip. “Our Promise Grant project allowed the Lodge to maintain a good relationship with the town and its schools,” says Project Manager Bruce Trezise. “Students learned about the Elks, their town and local government.” The Elks National Foundation awards $2,00...

Ellisville, Mo., Lodge No. 2664   With the Elks on their side, youth in Ellisville, Mo. are sure to have bright futures. Using an Elks National Foundation Promise Grant , Ellisville, Mo., Lodge No. 2664 held a fun and educational youth picnic. To promote living a drug free life, Elks invited Elroy the Elk to help teach kids how to say “no” to drugs and alcohol. Picnic guests became friends with the Elks and local firefighters. The Ellisville Fire Department opened the firehouse doors to the youth and their families to demonstrate fire safety techniques. Elks supported healthy lifestyles with games that encouraged eating nutritious meals. After learning how to stay safe and live well, Elks treated their guests to lunch, pony rides, face painting and prizes. “The Promise Grant allowed us to promote drug awareness and community involvement,” says Project Manager Michael Polson. “The picnic provided local youth with a fun, safe environment for the day.”   ...

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...

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...

Murphysboro, Ill., Lodge No. 572 Murphysboro, Ill., Lodge No. 572 used its Elks National Foundation Promise Grant to hold a Youth Fun Day for community children. Kids participated in a wide array of activities including kite flying, archery, tether ball and an animal exposition. Elroy the Elk also made an appearance to educate kids on the importance of being 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 local youth. To find out more about Promise Grants and the Community Investments Program, visit www.elks.org/enf/community .

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 .