Elks National Foundation Blog

Kent Island, Md., Lodge No. 2576 Kids near Kent Island, Md., Lodge No. 2576 are having a reel-y good time! The Lodge used its Elks National Foundation Promise Grant to hold a fishing derby for local kids. Elks partnered with several businesses and community groups to hold the event, which featured food, raffles, games, and presentations on safety and drug awareness. There was even a special presentation by the Department of Natural Resources’ working dogs!  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 and the Community Investments Program, visit www.elks.org/enf/community .

Grapevine, Tex., Lodge No. 2483 Grapevine, Tex., Lodge No. 2483 used its Promise Grant to hold a Christmas party with the police department. Word spread through the grapevine and more than 400 local families attended! Elks and police also donated toys, stuffed animals and bicycles to children in need. Above, Lodge Secretary Janet Rose poses with her grandchildren in front of the food and toys Lodge members collected. 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 .

Cartersville, Ga., Lodge No. 1969 Cartersville, Ga., Lodge No. 1969 partnered with DCFS to reach out to children in need at Christmas. The Lodge used its Community Investments Program Promise Grant to throw a party complete with a holiday meal, decorations, gifts and winter clothing for each child. Of course, the highlight of the party was a visit with Santa! 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 and the Community Investments Program, visit www.elks.org/enf/community .

By Jimmy Tomczak, 2011 Elks Alum of the Year and 2006 MVS scholar This summer, the Elks National Foundation recognized me as the 2011 Alum of the Year during the Elks National Convention in Phoenix, Arizona. After accepting the award and speaking at the convention, I met Michigan Elks President, Keith Alverson and his wife, Greer. While talking, he mentioned a major Michigan Elks gathering and we agreed to keep in touch. A few months later, Keith invited me to speak in Sault Sainte Marie at the Michigan Elks Association’s 55th Annual Fall Conference. As the ENF Alum of the Year, I addressed the Michigan membership at both their business session and ladies luncheon to share my Elks scholar story and represent the Elks National Foundation’s focus on programming that benefits Elks, Elks scholars and other programs recipients and our communities. More than 300 people listened closely as I shared my not-so-distant memories of applying for an Elks Most Valuable Student Scholarship at...

Madison, Tenn., Lodge No. 2473 Madison, Tenn., Lodge No. 2473 used its Community Investments Program Gratitude Grant to make sure students have everything they need for a successful school year. Elks partnered with local schools to purchase clothes for students in need, which will be distributed throughout the year.  “Community Investments Program grants really heighten the awareness of the Elks' work in the community and spread good will toward the members,” says Project Manager Randall Vaughn. 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 .   

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 .   

Kimberling County, Mo., Lodge No. 2505 Elks carry their ship to the starting line. Kimberling County, Mo., Lodge No. 2505 helped fellow citizens by hopping aboard a sinking ship. Elks used their Elks National Foundation Community Investments Program Gratitude Grant to help Chances, a local center for people with disabilities, hold a cardboard boat race fundraiser. Though the Elks’ boat sunk before it reached the finish line, they were still winners, claiming first prize for overall fundraiser and receiving recognition for team spirit. 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 .   

Crestwood, Miss., Lodge No. 2053 Crestwood, Miss., Lodge No. 2053 partnered with the St. Louis VA Medical Center to hold a welcome home celebration for returning soldiers. This celebration was made possible by an ENF Gratitude Grant , a component of the Community Investments Program. Elks volunteered their time and served 1,300 meals to veterans and their families at the celebration. 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, 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 .

By Programs Assistant Brianne Menges I have a confession to make: I don’t really listen to country music. It’s not that I don’t like it; I’m just more of a Glee fan myself. So after landing in the country music capital of Nashville, Tenn., I was a little apprehensive about how much I would have in common with everyone there. Thankfully, our dissimilarities began and ended with our taste in music. Assistant Director Debbie Kahler Doles and I recently traveled to Nashville to attend the National Scholarship Providers Association’s annual conference. While taking a break from various informational sessions, we were able to meet with some local Elks and Elks scholars for dinner. In the months leading up to our trip, this dinner is what I had been looking forward to the most. After working for the ENF for two years, this was going to be my first opportunity to meet Elks and Elks scholars in person. I couldn’t wait! For me, this was a chance to put faces with names, and meet...