Charity, Patriotism Mark Elks Trail

ittle did the founders of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks of the United States of America envision the remarkable path their fraternity would take when they started the Order in 1868.

Over the past 128 years, the Elks have grown from 15 New York entertainers to 1.3 million Americans in 2,230 local Lodges throughout the country.

The growth of the fraternal organization has left incredible footprints of charity and patriotism along its path. Although the small band of entertainers was at first interested in only a social foundation for their group, it was quickly evident that a greater purpose was necessary to sustain the association. Only after they began to engage in charitable work to the benefit of the community, did the brotherhood prosper and grow, spreading across America and including gentlemen of good character from all professions and occupations.

By the time of the devastating 1906 San Francisco earthquake and fire, the Elks had earned a reputation for being in the fore whenever and wherever fellow citizens needed assistance. The Elks had been quick to respond to the victims of the Johnstown Flood, and they were among the first on the scene in San Francisco to provide emergency aid.

And when tragedy struck with monstrous devastation in Oklahoma City in April 1995, the Oklahoma Elks were there immediately with an initial $100,000 to assist victims. All told, members around the country and their families contributed more than $230,000 in relief aid.

During World War I, when 70,000 Elks would answer the call to patriotic service, the Order provided the first two field hospitals in France and built near Boston what was to become the first American veterans hospital, deeding it to the federal government in 1918.

From its inception, the Order of Elks has practiced charity, one of the four cardinal virtues to which it subscribes, through its Lodges, state associations and the national organization known as the Grand Lodge. But charity was not institutionalized in the fraternity until 1928, when the Elks National Foundation was started with a $100,000 grant from the Grand Lodge.

Today, the foundation is the main charitable focus of the Order, providing scholarships to outstanding students, supporting Elks state association major charitable projects, funding the Elks Drug Awareness Education Program and the Elks "Hoop Shoot" Free Throw Contest, providing assistance to hospitalized veterans and engaging in other benevolences. The Elks National Foundation annually dispenses $10 million in good works, receiving about $4.5 million in donations from enthusiastically supportive Elks, their families and friends.

As the Order of Elks progresses into the 21st Century, the organization continues to make great strides in expanding its programs to the benefit of others. The giving from members grows each year, and in the communities where Elks Lodges are located across the country, the Elks, like their majestic symbol, are fleet of foot in heeding the cry of distress. They believe in America and are doing whatever they can to assist their fellow citizens in support of America's future.