Delegates throughout the United States, Guam, Puerto Rico, the Philippines, and the Panama Canal converged on Minneapolis Tuesday, July 4, for the 157th annual National Convention of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks of the United States of America. There are approximately 775,000 Elks Members nationwide.
The Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks has made more than $12 billion in donations since we first started 155 years ago. The Elks Community Investment Program will award over $15 million towards enriching our communities. The Elks National Foundation also granted $10 million to the state Elks Associations through State Charities Grants, Special Project Grants and Bonus Grants which help fund each state’s charitable activities. In 2023-2024 Elks National Foundation has allocated nearly $2.9 million to fund the Most Valuable Student Scholarship program which includes 502 four year scholarships ranging from $4,000 to $50,000.
Last year the state of Washington combined lodges donated $217,126 to the Elks National Foundation (ENF). In return those same lodges received $609,770 in ENF & CIP grants. That is a 281% return on our investments. Washington state also awarded 14 Most Valuable Student Scholarships for a total of $56,000 in addition to 7 Legacy Scholarships of $4,000 each awarded to children of Elks members.
Forks Elks Lodge was proud to once again be a finalist in the All-American Lodge Contest for the 2nd year in Division III (226-300 members) and was once again selected this year for that award. Other awards included Mike Leavitt who was awarded West District & WA state Exalted Ruler of the year 2022/2023. Dawn Harris, current ER awarded WA State West District Officer of the year 2022/2023. Lois Hunley WA State and West District winner of The Polly Garland Award and Heather Lewis West District and State Elk of the Year.
Each year Forks Elks hosts a Stand-Down for veterans, serving a meal, giving out equipment for a veteran’s betterment, invites all services that a veteran may not pursue on their own. Last year CIP grants were responsible for STEAM projects in our elementary school. Our annual Hoe Down is funded by CIP Grants.
To quote GER Bruce Hidley; “Together We Can ~ Together We Do ~ And Together We Will ~ continue to make a difference in our lodges and communities.”
See your favorite Forks Elk about becoming a member.
