Elks National Foundation Blog

Newark, N.Y., Lodge No. 1249 Lodge member Bob Schinsing (left) poses with the shelter’s director. Bob regularly volunteers at the Humane Society, and has used his handyman skills to build a shed, shelving units, doors and play cubes. If these dogs could talk, they’d say, “Thank you, Elks!” Elks at Newark, N.Y., Lodge No. 1249 have a soft spot for animals. Each month, members collect supplies to donate to the Humane Society of Wayne County. The Lodge also uses its Elks National Foundation Gratitude Grant to support the shelter. 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 .   

In March 2012, Lindsay Saunders joined the Elks National Foundation as the Youth Programs Associate. As part of her job, Lindsay will manage the day-to-day operations of the Elks Hoop Shoot. This April, Lindsay traveled to Springfield, Mass., for the National Finals, where she saw her very first Hoop Shoot contest in action. By Lindsay Saunders, Youth Programs Associate Lindsay learns the intricacies of Hoop Shoot registration. “Elks LOVE the Hoop Shoot!” I was told this several times before ever witnessing a Hoop Shoot in person.  Sure, I read through materials, studied the rules, even watched couple of YouTube clips of local contests. Still, nothing quite prepared me for the tremendous event that is the National Hoop Shoot Finals. I arrived at the Sheraton Hotel in Springfield, Mass., and immediately began meeting Hoop Shoot volunteers who had been working tirelessly to prepare for what I was to witness in the next couple of days. For most Elks volunteers, this year’s ...

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 .   

Harrison-East Newark, N.J., Lodge No. 2326 Play ball! Harrison-East Newark, N.J., Lodge No. 2326 used its Elks National Foundation Gratitude Grant to help local youth get in the game. Elks donated to the Little League; sponsored a team; and helped with the opening day ceremony, parade and barbecue to kick off the season. 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 .   

By Christine Vaccarello, Development Associate “Where do you work?” “What do you do?” Over the last four years, I’ve tried out many different explanations when responding to these questions. I’ve learned that to the non-Elks public, the Elks National Foundation is not a household name. So when I tell people that I work for the Elks, they almost always want to know more. Next, they’ll either ask, “Who are the Elks?”, or my favorite, exclaim “I know the Elks!” and then share a special memory about the Lodge in their community or an Elks family member. For instance, one of my friends recalls the Elks sponsoring his youth tee ball team, from the uniforms to the post-game snacks. Here in Chicago, many people who hear “Elks” associate it with the Elks Veterans Memorial building. It’s a Chicago landmark, after all. They’ll ask, “You work in that building?! Can you give me a tour?” I respond, “Become an ENF donor, and I’ll be glad to give you a tour.” But my favorite thing to talk ab...

Portsmouth-Chesapeake, Va., Lodge No. 82  Anchors away! Portsmouth-Chesapeake, Va., Lodge No. 82 used its Elks National Foundation Gratitude Grant to help kids battling cancer. The Lodge partnered with the Roc Solid Foundation to build a play set for a local child fighting cancer. “Being a part of one of these builds is a heartwarming, truly gratifying experience,” says Project Manager Thom Grubbs.  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 .   

Colonie, N.Y., Lodge No. 2192 Over the river and through the woods to Colonie, N.Y., Lodge No. 2192 children go! The Lodge used its Elks National Foundation Promise Grant to throw a party for children being raised by their grandparents. Elks partnered with Catholic Charities to hold this event, which featured a delicious dinner, games for the children, and gift cards for their grandparents. The local boy scout troop helped by organizing trivia games and running a reading corner for younger kids. 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 .

Carson City, Nev., Lodge No. 2177 Carson City, Nev., Lodge No. 2177 gave community members in need the option to choose healthy foods. The Lodge used its Elks National Foundation Gratitude Grant to purchase fresh fruits and vegetables for Hungry Kids Healthy Foods, the local food pantry. Elks also volunteer for the pantry, unpacking and preparing the food for distribution. 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 .   

Bellafonte, Pa., Lodge No. 1094 Bellafonte, Pa., Lodge No. 1094 partnered with Penn State’s 4-H mentoring program to provide school supplies, backpacks, dictionaries and support to more than 250 students in need. With the help of an Elks National Foundation Gratitude Grant , the Elks held a picnic where students could collect their supplies. Here, Lodge President Dale Moore passes out the school supplies. 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 .   

Clayton, N.J., Lodge No. 2132 Clayton, N.J., Lodge No. 2132 partnered with Gloucester County Therapeutic Recreation, a local center for people with disabilities, to hold a formal dinner and dance for the center’s clients. Guests enjoyed a turkey dinner followed by hours of dancing, made possible by an Elks National Foundation Promise Grant . “The Clayton Elks do so many wonderful things for our clients, and we are so grateful,” writes Barbara Holt, Director of the center. “Many thanks to the Elks for being exceptionally good to us.”  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 .