Over time, many new and existing members of our lodge have forgotten the difference between the Elks National Foundation and the Missouri Elks Benevolent Trust. This is serve as a reminder.
ELKS NATIONAL FOUNDATION
Established in 1928, the Elks National Foundation is the charitable arm of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. The ENF's mission is to help Elks build stronger communities. The ENF is supported through contributions from Elks, their families and friends, which are all deposited into a permanent endowment fund. The Foundation spends only the INCOME Earned by this fund.
With your support, the ENF transforms communities in six strategic areas:
1. Three scholarship programs
2. Elks National Drug Awareness Program
3. Hoop Shoot Free Throw Program
4. Elks National Veterans Service program
5. Grants in millions of dollars to the state associations
6. Elks Community Investments Program
MISSOURI ELKS BENEVOLENT TRUST
The Missouri Elks Benevolent Trust, Inc. was incorporated in order to have a functioning group to operate the Elks State Major Project, the Dental Care Program.
Since 1962, Mobile Dental Units, purchased and equipped by the Missouri Elks, have served the dental needs of eligible physically challenged children, and mentally challenged/developmentally disabled adults and children.
Basic and routine dental treatments include x-rays, examinations, cleanings, fluoride treatments, fillings, routine extractions and referrals. The Mobile Unit treatment also includes restoration of infected or painful teeth, treatment of gingivitis or mouth infections, placement of steel crowns and space maintainers, pit and fissure sealants, preventive and oral hygiene instruction to patient and famiy, and root canals.
Each year, dental procedures are performed on more than 3,000 patients. The value of these services is over $700,000.00.
The Elks Dental Program is administered by the Missouri Department of Health, who has a contract with Truman Medical Center - Lakewood. The Hospital staffs these units, schedules the calls, completes the treatment, and reports the results to the Missouri Elks Benevolent Trust.
The funds raised through Elks members pledges of $100 to $1,000, plus special donations by Lodges, Ladies Auxiliaries, Memorials, Legacies, Elks National Foundation Annual Contribution, and other donations go towards -
1. Purchase and upkeep of Mobile Dental Units and Equipment
2. Fellowships for Special Dental Training for Handicapped Patients
3. Other Dental Projects
4. Operational Costs