Each week, the ENF recognizes CIPerstars who have gone above and beyond in their service to the Elks National Foundation. These CIPerstars are recognized for their outstanding contributions to the ENF and the Elks community.
Senior Programs Associate
Programs Associate
Programs Coordinator
9/23/2025 Cheyenne, WY Lodge No: 660
uses its Impact Grant to provide nutritious meals and resources to people experiencing homelessness with its project, “Operation Brotherly Love.” The guests are treated to meals prepared by local celebrity chef Petrina Peart, who has appeared in multiple cooking competitions and works as a US culinary diplomat. Last quarter, the Lodge served 1,124 guests. Cheyenne has a population of just over 65,000, underscoring the pressing need and the significant work that the Lodge and its partners have invested in.
9/23/2025 Flagstaff, AZ Lodge No: 499
uses its Beacon Grant for its annual project, “Reading with New Soles”, which provides children with new shoes, school supplies and books. The Lodge works with two schools to host events featuring five stations. First, the children try on shoes and get school supplies, then they select the book they want to take home. After that, they exercise their creative muscles with a coloring book section. Lastly, the families visit the snack and drink table before enjoying story time with Lodge members.
9/23/2025 Arcadia, FL Lodge No: 1524
uses its Gratitude Grant to support its community with food and hygiene products. Desoto County is one of the most food insecure counties in Florida. In response to this issue, the Lodge collaborates with the county Department of Health to host an event at the Lodge, where individuals in need can collect boxes of food and oral hygiene products.
The Elks National Foundation allocated nearly $16 million this year to fund the Community Investments Program. Lodges meet local needs through grants that offer Elks opportunities to serve their community in ways that will raise the Lodge's profile, energize the membership, encourage former members to return to the fold, and gain the notice of people who want to be part of an organization that's doing great things. To learn more about the Community Investments Program, please visit elks.org/CIP. If you would like to speak to someone in the CIP office, we can be reached at 773-755-4730.