First, we set another per-capita record. Per-member giving in 2010-11 reached an all-time high of $6.618. That’s nearly 30 cents more than the previous record, which we set in 2009-10.

In addition, for the first time since 2007-08, actual donations, excluding bequests, increased. Donations reached an all-time high of $6.08 million in 2007-08, but they decreased in each of the next two years. We stopped that slide in 2010-11, raising our second highest total ever at $5.91 million.

Throw in bequests, and we took in $8.53 million. That’s our best year yet by more than $1 million, and it’s the second straight year that we topped the previous high by more than $1 million.

So, 2010-11 was a fantastic year for the Foundation. Make sure that your Lodge shares in our success. A total of 1,574 Lodges achieved the GER’s $4.50 per-capita goal. Each is eligible to receive a $1,000 Gratitude Grant. Don’t leave this money on the table. The application deadline is May 31. To learn more about Gratitude Grants and the Community Investments Program, visit www.elks.org/enf/community.

Thanks to everyone who helped to make 2010-11 a great year for the ENF!

To find out where your Lodge stands, visit our Reports and Standings page.