Thank you very much. I'm honored to have this opportunity to address the Elks National Convention.

As one of the nation's oldest and largest fraternal organizations, the Elks have long contributed to American society. Today 1.2 million Americans throughout all 50 states call themselves Elks. And today's Elks know what the first Elks in 1868 knew-that America is great because America is good. That's why the Elks are devoted to charity and community.

Since the founding of the organization, the Elks have distributed more than three billion dollars in cash, goods and services to the nation's youth, veterans and disadvantaged. Last year alone Elks' members contributed almost nine million hours and tens of millions of dollars to a variety of charitable causes.

This is an incredible and commendable record of compassion. This is precisely the kind of compassion that I'm hoping to tap into with my faith-based and community initiative. It seeks the best for our country by seeking the most from our people.

Government can spend money, but it cannot put purpose into lives or hope into hearts. These tasks depend upon the daily, decent and caring acts of others: people who match money with vision; people who work with charities that give help as well as hope, and people who support businesses that make a difference, not only a profit. Given our common vision, I hope I can count on you to support my administration's efforts.

The men and women of the Elks are model American citizens. You have made the United States a more compassionate, generous and just society.

I hope you have a successful convention and have an enjoyable stay in Philadelphia. God bless you all.