Elks National Foundation Blog

By 2013 Most Valuable Student scholar and Elks Scholar Advisory Board member Nate Baker Nate Baker, 2013 MVS scholar sponsored by Tyrone, Pa., Lodge No. 212, is the freshman representative on the Elks Scholar Advisory Board and new to college life. Throughout his first year of college, we’ll be following Nate through monthly blog posts. Check back each month to see what new adventures Nate encounters during this first year at Cornell! Reno, NV—the site of the 2013 Elks National Convention... ...and an awesome time! After returning home from a wonderful Elks National Convention in Reno , having one last hurrah with my friends, filling out forms for what seemed to be years, and trying to decide what was essential to bring with me to college, I finally made the trip to Cornell University! As I and many other Elks scholars like me (I’m looking at the freshmen) begin their collegiate careers equipped with the gifts, well-wishes, and advice of more-experienced fri...

By 2011 Legacy Awards Recipient and Elks Scholar Advisory Board Member Maryann Slater Though Elks may know about all the great work Lodges do across the country, Elks scholars are not as familiar with the Order. We asked Elks Scholar Advisory Board member and Legacy Awards recipient Maryann Slater to share a few facts about the Elks that scholars might be surprised to know!  My name is Maryann Slater and I’m the President and Junior Representative of the Elks National Foundation Scholar Advisory Board , a board comprised of Elks scholars charged with sharing ideas to shape the future of the Elks scholar experience. I’m a Junior at Rutgers, majoring in Spanish and Communication. I’m a Legacy Awards scholarship recipient and both of my parents are Elks! Since I’ve grown up in the organization I’d love to share some of my knowledge with you to hopefully give you a better understanding of the organization that gave you your scholarship. Ten things you didn’t know about ...

Anniston, Ala., Lodge No. 189 While art enthusiasts around the world are lining up to see the newly authenticated Vincent Van Gogh painting, the Elks prefer to support local artists in need. Using an Elks National Foundation Gratitude Grant , Anniston, Ala., Lodge No. 189 partnered with The Arc—an organization that serves people with special needs—to provide group art classes. The arts program at the local Arc was suffering due to funding cuts. Thanks to the Gratitude Grant, Elks provided frames, paint, canvases and other supplies and immediately put them to good use as they assisted the artists in their weekly classes. After mastering the art of painting, the Elks and the artists took ceramics classes and produced more museum-worthy pieces. To see where their art may one day hang, the Elks took the art class to the Hunter Museum of Art in Chattanooga, Tenn. “This project was a great opportunity for all,” says Project Manager Cathy Benton. “The word got out about how much ...

Weehawken, N.J., Lodge No. 1456 Weehawken, N.J. is a more beautiful place thanks to the Elks! Using an Elks National Foundation Beacon Grant , Weehawken, N.J., Lodge No. 1456 partnered with local Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, a teen peer leadership group, and other high school students to plant a garden surrounding Weehawken Town Hall. The students gave this project two green thumbs up! They enjoyed digging in the dirt, and working alongside other local youth and the Elks. To keep the plants and their new friendships thriving, the Elks plan to tend to the community garden year-round. “The Lodge furthered its status in the community by working with youth on this visible project,” says Project Manager Thomas Rovito. “We plan to plant more next year, and cultivate this project for years to come.” Does your Lodge want to be featured on the ENF blog or other ENF pages? Simply submit fabulous Final Report Forms! Include project successes, feedback from the Lodge and community, and ...

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...

Michael Maley 2013 Most Valuable Student scholar Sponsored by Des Plaines, Ill., Lodge No. 1526   As an economics major at Washington University, Michael will learn about smart investments. Watch as he thanks the Elks for investing in his future through his MVS scholarship .

Franklin, N.H., Lodge No. 1280 When you think of famous trailblazers, who come to mind? Lewis and Clark? Daniel Boone? The Franklin Elks? Armed with their gear and an Elks National Foundation Beacon Grant , members of Franklin, N.H., Lodge No. 1280 partnered with local Boy Scouts and mapped hiking trails throughout the Great Gains Memorial Forest in Franklin, N.H. The Elks and the scouts headed out into the wilderness, cleared two trails, and built two bridges and a picnic table. To encourage all kinds of exercise, the Elks and their new partners are working year-round to finish walking, biking, mountain biking and cross-country skiing trails. And that’s only Stage 1. The Elks anticipate that the entire project will take four to five years to complete. With the support of the ENF Beacon Grant, they are looking forward to working with the Boy Scouts every step of the way. “Our project utilizes a very valuable local resource, offering residents a new outdoor experience,” says Pro...

Ian Ludden 2013 Most Valuable Student scholar Sponsored by Brandon, Fla., Lodge No. 2383 We asked Ian, “What does your MVS Scholarship mean to you?” “My MVS Scholarship allows me to run on the cross-country team and continue my musical interests without financial stress.” Ian will be on the cross-country team at Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology in Terra Haute, Ind. When he’s not running or practicing his cello, Ian will be hard at work studying computer engineering.

Goodland, Kan., Lodge No. 1528 The Elks at Goodland, Kan., Lodge No. 1528 spread healthy eating habits to the community! Using an Elks National Foundation Gratitude Grant , the Goodland Lodge provided healthy afternoon snacks for students in need at a local elementary school. Throughout the school year, Elks prepared and delivered nutritious food to students and teachers in need two days each week. The Elks enjoyed providing a variety of fruits and veggies and the students enjoyed trying them all! “We gave the students the opportunity to try many different kinds of fruits and vegetables,” says Project Manager Zona Price. “They were treated to berries, melons, pineapple, broccoli, cauliflower, asparagus and much more.” With the help of the Gratitude Grant, the Elks encourage students to eat healthily—a message that some do not receive at home. “Keeping our children safe and healthy is our first and foremost concern,” says School District Superintendent Bill Biermann. “P...

Tonita Britt 2013 Legacy Awards recipient Sponsored by Baker, Ore., Lodge No. 338 The Elks have always been an important part of Tonita’s life. Now, they continue to support her as she goes to Gonzaga University in Spokane, Wash. next year. See why else Tonita is thankful for her Legacy Award :