Community Service

Community Service

How is the

Elks National Foundation

Helping California-Hawaii?

When you give to the Elks National Foundation, you’re doing more than funding the Elks National Drug Awareness and "Hoop Shoot" programs. You’re doing more than supporting the Community Investments Program and providing Emergency Educational Grants to the children of deceased or totally disabled Elks. You’re doing more than maintaining the Elks Veterans Memorial.

You're doing all that, and you're supporting Elkdom in your state.

During the 2007-08 Lodge year, the Elks of California-Hawaii donated $758,416.20 to the Elks National Foundation. This year, the Foundation will give back the following:

State Charities Grant:

Special Projects Grant:

Bonus Grant: $420,950.00

$386,430.00

$115,750.00

These grants help fund your state's major charitable project, as well as other philanthropic projects. Portions of these grants will also support your state's Drug Awareness Program, Hoop Shoot, Soccer Shoot and educational programs.

Most Valuable Student:

Legacy Award:

$288,000.00

$84,000.00

We will award a total of 72 "Most Valuable Student" scholarships to high school seniors from your state. (Click here to check out your recipients.) In addition, we will award up to 21 Legacy scholarships to children, grandchildren and stepchildren of Elks. (Click here to check out your recipients.)

National Veterans

Service Commission:

$33,180.00

These funds will help them provide aid and comfort to hospitalized veterans.

Grand Total: $1,328,310.00

That's a ratio of 1.751 for every dollar the Foundation received from your state last year.

Since inception in 1928 through March 31, 2008, the Foundation has granted a total of $28,584,793.29 to your state, compared with your state's total donations of $25,479,792.56. That's a ratio of 1.122 for every dollar the Foundation has received from your state.

The Foundation's past support includes:

* $13,296,124.00 in State Charities Grants

* $4,487,652.00 in Special Projects Grants

* $6,873,358.57 in "Most Valuable Student" Scholarships

* $452,337.00 in Emergency Educational Grants to the children of deceased or totally disabled Elks

For more information about the Elks National Foundation, contact your local chairman or write us at Elks National Foundation, 2750 N. Lakeview Ave., Chicago, IL 60614, enf@elks.org.

[State by State Per-Capita Donations] [CA Lodges]

The Elks and Youth

Of everything that the Elks do, perhaps nothing is more important than their work with the country's youth. The efforts of the Elks on behalf of the young--in Scouting and scholarships, sponsoring athletic and artistic endeavors, youth camps, and drug awareness programs--sow the seeds of accomplishment and commitment that benefit the nation. The work and generosity of the Elks help today's youth become tomorrow's scientists, industrialists, academics, artists, athletes, and much more.

In the 1940s, the Elks made a commitment to "lay a solid foundation for the future; building the moral and physical character of American boys and girls, the leaders of tomorrow." Since then, the Elks have done much to fulfill that self-charged responsibility--and not for fanfare or publicity, but simply because they knew it was the right thing to do.

Youth Activities

In many communities, Elks Lodges sponsor Scout troops, offering the Lodge as a meeting place and also providing equipment. Lodges also support Boys and Girls Clubs; 4-H programs; youth athletics and arts programs, including Little League, football and soccer teams, debate and speech programs, fine arts contests, and other local youth organizations.

One of the Order's most impressive youth programs is the Elks "Hoop Shoot" National Free Throw Contest. With more than 3 million participants annually, ages 8-13, the odds of making it to the championship round of the Elks "Hoop Shoot" are more than 40,000 to 1. The odds of capturing one of the six national titles that are up for grabs each year are more than 500,000 to one!

At an Elks "Hoop Shoot" Free Throw Contest, boys and girls in one of three age-groups, 8-9, 10-11, 12-13, attempt to sink 25 free throws--10 in the first round, 15 in the second, with ties being resolved by five-shot shoot-offs. The competition's fierce, but fun. And that's one reason that the Elks "Hoop Shoot" has grown, since 1946, from a local youth activity at Corvallis, Oregon, Elks Lodge to the largest coeducational sports program in the country.

Handicapped Youth

Nationally and locally, the Elks have worked diligently to better the lives of handicapped youngsters. The Order has a long history of supporting Special Olympics events, donating special equipment and supplies to the families of disabled children, sponsoring the treatment and research of many illnesses that affect children, and arranging for medical personnel to provide free in-home therapy services.

Drug Awareness

The BPO Elks, both at the local level and through its national Elks Drug Awareness Education program, has done stellar work in informing the nation's youth and their parents about the dangers associated with using illegal substances, tobacco products, and alcohol. Since 1983, the Elks have distributed more than 150 million pieces of educational literature to students, educators, and parents. But besides their educational efforts, the Elks work with other organizations and agencies to provide youth with healthy and safe alternatives to using drugs and alcohol. Local Lodges sponsor drug- and alcohol-free post prom and graduation parties and dances as well as a host of other activities. The Elks also provide financial support to law enforcement agencies for their efforts to curb the growth of drug use and encourage children and young adults to make healthier decisions.

Scholarships and Grants

SCHOLARSHIPS

ELKS NATIONAL FOUNDATION

"Most Valuable Student Scholarship Competition"

Applications for the Elks National Foundation's 2010 Most Valuable Student scholarship contest will be available beginning September 2009. The Foundation will award 500 four-year scholarships to the highest-rated boys and girls in the competition.

Applicants will be judged on financial need, leadership and scholarship. Any high school senior who is a citizen of the United States is eligible to apply. Applicants need not be related to a member of the Elks.

CALIFORNIA-HAWAII ELKS ASSOCIATION

Vocational Grant

To download a copy of the current California-Hawaii Elks Association Vocational Grant application form, please follow this link.*

Any prospective student, resident within the jurisdiction of the California-Hawaii Elks Association (CHEA), who plans to pursue an eligible vocational/technical course, above and supplemental to high school or preparatory school level, may file an application. All applicants must be citizens of the United States of America on the date the application is filed.

This grant may be used for tuition and fees, room and board (only if living on campus) and books and supplies. It may be used only for usual and required costs of applicant's planned course of study.

CALIFORNIA-HAWAII ELKS MAJOR PROJECT, INC.

Undergraduate Scholarship Program for Students with Disabilities

Since 1981 the Elks have provided financial assistance to students with disabilities wishing to further their education. Utilized by dozens of qualified candidates, this program serves a dual purpose: 1) the students are aided in pursuing their goals in higher education; and 2) the students are aided in becoming part of the mainstream working community.

This scholarship program is a financial needs based and academic use scholarship. It is intended for undergraduate work at an accredited community college, four year college, university, or licensed vocational school. The funds cover academic expenses only, which includes tuition, books, lab fees and on-campus room and board.

GRADUATES - Where Are They Now?

Thank You Letters and Articles

With monies from local Lodges and from the national organization, the Elks typically donate around $8 million in scholarships each year. On the local and national level, Elks award scholarships and grants to Boy and Girl Scouts; exemplary high school seniors through the Elks "Most Valuable Student" scholarship program; the children of Elks, through the Elks Legacy Awards and Emergency Education Fund Grants; and the disadvantaged. The Elks rank as one of the largest providers of college scholarships in the United States.

Recent Local Scholarship Winners

Most Valuable Student Award Winners from Lodge 2444

Name Year Per Year Scholarship Amount

Emily Jackson 2008 $1,000.00

Justin Barron 2007 $1,000.00

Melissa Bell 2007 $1,000.00

Simone Jensen 2007 $1,000.00

Rayad Barakat 2006 $1,000.00

Kevin McKenna 2006 $1,000.00

Leon Wood 2006 $1,000.00

Loni Iverson 2005 $1,000.00

Jake Iverson 2004 $1,000.00

Peter Chung 2003 $1,000.00

Kristin Lynch 2001 $1,000.00

Lily Bradley 1999 $1,000.00

Avi Jessel 1999 $1,000.00

Legacy Award Winners from Lodge 2444

Erin Moniz 2002 $1,000.00

The Presidents' Summit for America's Future--America's Promise

In the spring of 1997, the BPOE publicly announced its current goals for laying a solid foundation for the leaders of tomorrow, making several pledges to America's Promise: The Alliance for Youth. One of the pledges was to commit $34.9 million a year in support of Scouting, athletic programs, and other youth organizations and programs by the year 2000. Each year since the Order has surpassed that goal, which is due in large part to the efforts of local Lodges. Another one of the commitments made by the Order to America's Promise was to pledge to commit $12.1 million a year in aid and treatment for children with disabilities as well as in drug education and prevention programs by 2000, and this goal was exceeded long before 2000. The BPOE had also pledged to commit $6.5 million a year in scholarships by the year 2000, another goal surpassed.

Celebrating Our Youth

Like no other fraternal organization, the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks is committed to celebrating the accomplishments of the country's youths. The first week in May each year, the Order holds its Elks National Youth Week, recognizing young people for their involvement with and achievements in the community. Traditionally, the Elks present awards and plaques to outstanding youngsters during this week, in addition to hosting programs, similar to the ones that are held all year, that provide youths with even greater chances to play an active role in their communities.

From sponsorships of youth fairs, career nights, student government days, athletic and educational programs, clubs, scouting troops, and much more, the Elks truly are making a difference in the lives of so many young people. It's this caring commitment that makes the BPOE the fraternal organization most actively engaged in promoting strong and healthy futures for young people.

Civic Pride

In nearly 2,200 communities, local Elks Lodges work valiantly to promote civic pride. Local Lodges regularly hold functions to recognize and celebrate the achievements of local emergency services personnel, teachers, leading citizens, educators, students, and government officials. Elks also demonstrate the pride that they feel toward their communities by assisting the efforts of local charitable organizations through volunteer work and financial contributions.

The Elks and Disaster Relief

In 1871, a fire devastated the city of Chicago, and the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks quickly organized and staged a benefit to provide financial assistance to residents most affected by the disaster. Since then, the Order has responded to every major catastrophe (natural or manmade) and played a leading role in providing relief and comfort.

In 1889, the Elks, at the national level, offered financial contributions to assist the families that suffered as a result of flooding in Johnstown, Pennsylvania, and fires in Seattle, Washington. In 1892, the BPO Elks began working with the American Red Cross when it and the Order provided monies for those suffering from a famine in Russia. To this day, the Elks have maintained a partnership with the American Red Cross and developed similar partnerships with other relief agencies.

Following the 1906 earthquake in San Francisco, the Order was the first organization to respond to the call for help. Within 12 hours, the Elks' relief efforts were in full swing. In Oakland, California, the Elks equipped hospitals, established temporary shelters for nearly 2,000 displaced persons, and arranged for provisions to be transported to the area. From across the country, financial donations from Elks came in answer to the pleas of the earthquake victims.

Through the years, the Elks have been responsible for aiding the men, women, and children whose lives have been affected by extraordinary circumstances. No matter the cause of the disaster--torrential rains that led to heavy flooding, explosions in mines, earthquakes, fires, tornadoes, hurricanes, epidemics of various illnesses, and tidal waves--the Elks have been among the first organizations to lend a helping hand in troubled times.

Today, the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks continues its commitment to participate in disaster relief. Most recently, the Order raised more than $230,000 to help the families victimized the Oklahoma City bombing and tens of thousands more to provide assistance to the people affected by the Red River flooding, tornadoes in Oklahoma and Kansas, and Hurricanes Dennis , Floyd, and Katrina.

In times of crisis, it has long been a pattern for the Order of Elks to ease the pain of others by providing the necessary relief.

Proclamation

A Proclamation of the City Council of the City of Mission Viejo

Marking the Thirty-Fourth Anniversary of

The Mission Viejo/Saddleback Valley Elks Lodge #2444

Whereas, since its inception in 1868, the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks of the USA has become one of the oldest and largest fraternal organizations in the country, with nearly 1.2 million men and women serving in 2,200 communities throughout the United States; and

Whereas, the Mission Viejo/Saddleback Valley Elks Lodge #2444 was founded in 1970 and has grown from a handful of men and women to more than 700 members; and

Whereas, Elks are dedicated and committed to the ideals of charity work including financial assistance, goods, and services for youth, veterans, the disadvantaged, the handicapped, and in support of patriotic and civic programs; and

Whereas, to mark the thirty-fourth anniversary of the formation of the Mission Viejo/Saddleback Valley Elks Lodge #2444, its members will gather on Saturday, September 25, 2004, to celebrate this special occasion;

Now, therefore, I, Gail Reavis, by virtue of the authority vested in me as Mayor of the City of Mission Viejo, and on behalf of the City Council, do hereby recognize the valuable community service provided by the members of the Mission Viejo/Saddleback Valley Elks Lodge #2444 on the occasion of its thirty-fourth anniversary.

September 25, 2004

______________________

Gail Reavis, Mayor