It’s requited love—communities love the Elks for strengthening them through Elks National Foundation programs. Read how ENF programs recipients express their love for the Elks.
Most Valuable Student scholar Olivia Valdes loves being part of the Elks family! As a student at Yale University and a member of the Elks Scholar Advisory Board, Olivia counts on other Elks scholars for support. Recently, Olivia worked with Lodge members to host a successful meet-up for Yale Elks scholars at New Haven, Conn., Lodge No. 25.
“Most of us didn’t know each other and we ended up having a great bonding experience,” says Olivia. “I’m really happy this connection brought us together!”
Who is 2014 Hoop Shoot District Champion Reese Gardner’s favorite athlete? Herself! This confidence—and her talent for shooting free throws—helped Reese, sponsored by Jonesboro, Ark., Lodge No. 498, succeed this season. She’s been battling leukemia since March of 2013, and the Hoop Shoot gave Reese the opportunity to get back on the court and show the Elks why she’s her own favorite athlete.
“I love participating in the Hoop Shoot so I can win,” says Reese.
Reese is our Hoop Shoot Contestant of the Week! Click here to read more about her.
Winter is cold—unlike the Elks’ warm hearts! Using a Community Investments Program Promise Grant, Show Low, Ariz., Lodge No. 2090 took local youth in need shopping to ensure they had warm clothing to help brave winter in the Arizona mountains. The Show Low Elks love supporting local families in need! This year, they helped 96 families.
“The whole Lodge supports this project,” says CIP Project Manager Tracy Munn. “We had enough volunteers that each child could match up with an Elk during the shopping trip.”
Be ours! Check www.elks.org/enf frequently to see how Elks are expressing love for their communities throughout the year.
The Elks National Foundation helps Elks build stronger communities through programs that support youth, serve veterans, and meet needs in areas where Elks live and work.