The 2009 Grand Lodge Convention in Portland, Ore., was a success! The Elks National Foundation kicked off the week by awarding the first annual Give Back Grant, a $25,000 grant given to a non-profit in Portland to thank the city for hosting the Convention. This year, the ENF awarded the Give Back Grant to the Children’s Cancer Association, to help them continue to bring joy to seriously ill children and their families. Click here to watch the streaming video of Regina Ellis, the Founder and CEO of the Children’s Cancer Association, accepting the Give Back Grant.

Throughout the week, the ENF hosted seminars on fundraising, ENF programs, scholar relations and Impact Grants. To view the information that was presented at the seminars and workshops, please visit the Media and Brochures section. At the ENF Salute to Excellence reception on Wednesday, the ENF formally presented Regina Ellis, founder and CEO of the Children’s Cancer Association, with the 2009 Give-Back Grant. We also honored 2001 Most Valuable Student Christina Vuocolo, the ENF Alumnus of the Year; the 2009 Hoop Shoot Getty Powell Award winners; and the top Most Valuable Student scholars. We ended the week by enjoying a speech by John Steinbach, the 2009 Most Valuable Student top male winner, at the closing session.

A good time was had by all, and we look forward to next year’s convention in Orlando!