Trill first learned about the Elks National Foundation during indoctrination. Since his father was a veteran, hearing about the assistance the Foundation provides to America’s service men and women, moved him to action. The following year, Trill began his still active term as the Calif. Central District ENF Chairperson. He has twice served as Livermore Lodge’s ENF Chair and is a Permanent Benefactor of the Foundation.
“If others know that you believe in the Foundation with your heart, they will give,” Trill says. “ENF is the foundation of Elkdom; it keeps the wheels going.”
To maintain its momentum, the ENF relies on Chairs like Trill. He dedicates his time to finding creative ways to inspire other Elks to give. For instance, he sold pins touting support for the ENF with Lodge numbers from his district forming a heart shape. Trill also collected donations by selling ornaments during the Christmas season. He spent his own money to purchase the items but instead of paying himself back for the cost, he donated all proceeds to the Foundation.
“Sometimes I lose money,” he says. “So be it. It shows that I’m giving too.”
This October, Chairs across Elkdom will celebrate ENF month. Lodges that participate by holding a fundraiser will earn 15 points towards their Chairman Challenge goal. The Chairman Challenge rewards Lodges that develop a broad-based fundraising program. Trill plans to raise awareness and funds for the Foundation by hosting a raffle. He hopes to receive enough $5 donations to award the winner with a $1,000 donation in their name to the ENF.
While selling pins and holding raffles creates revenue, Trill says to motivate people to donate, all you have to do is ask nicely. “You have to ask, and you may have to go back two or three times,” he says. “You have to tell everyone how great the Foundation is and get them excited. People will give to people with causes.”
To also encourage donating, Trill ignites friendly competition between the Lodges in his district. At the end of the year, he pushes Lodges to catch up to the Lodge with the highest per capita, and the rivalry increases donations from everyone. Trill will call Lodges to congratulate them and they’ll ask if his Lodge has more donations to submit. Trill responds, “Does Macy’s tell Gimbel’s?”
Trill admits to facing a few challenges as an ENF Chair, including disputing the assumption that the Foundation already has enough money. “Yes, there’s a lot of money and we could use it, but if we want to continue the good we’re doing, we need each and everyone’s support,” he says. “And, if you want to support your own state, where else can you give $1 and get more back? “
In addition to his benevolence and enthusiasm for the ENF’s mission, Trill’s business-savvy, coupled with his ability to explain ideas clearly, creates the ideal Chairperson. To help describe the ENF’s endowment fund, Trill paints a picture:
“It’s like playing with children at the top of a hill, making a snow man. You run the snowball down the hill and it gets bigger and bigger,” he says. Trill reminds Lodges to send donations to the ENF office as soon as possible because otherwise, “the snowball is melting!”
Trill says he became an ENF Chair because he thought he could be helpful. Shrouded in modesty, he claims that what he’s given to the Elks can’t compare to what he’s received in return. “I’ve gotten more back from Elkdom than I ever imagined,” he says. “My father and grandfather would be proud.”
To learn more about how your Lodge can celebrate ENF month, visit www.elks.org/enf or contact the Foundation at enf@elks.org or 773-755-4728.
2004-05 Grants and Appropriations Click here for a list of approved distributions for 2004-05.