Mike says of the project’s inspiration, “As Vietnam veterans, my friends and I always talked about veterans that are discharged and fall through the cracks, veterans that need help.”
The Lodge partners with the organization Vets helping Vets to identify those most in need. The project has come to offer more than simply meals—it offers friendship. For many veterans, Elks are one of their few visitors each week.
Thanks to the event, the Lodge even gained a new member—Mrs. Arnette herself. And she’s not the only one.
“Because of the ENF Grants, we will have an increase in membership next year,” Mongelluzzo says. “The response is overwhelming. People know now that we do good things for the community, and that's important.”
All the goodwill has added benefits to the Ocala Elks.
“When we talk about ENF grants and what we are doing in the community,” Mongeluzzo says, “it brings pride to the members of the Lodge.”
The Elks National Foundation will help Lodges meet local needs by investing up to $6.5 million this year in Elks communities through Beacon, Gratitude, Promise and Impact Grants. These grants offer Lodges an opportunity to serve the 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 www.elks.org/enf/community.