When you think of a birthday party, what comes to mind? Cake? Balloons? Presents? Well, for her birthday party, ENF Chairperson and Exalted Ruler Jodie Graves of Green Cove Springs Lodge was thinking about the presents – but not for herself. She invited her guests to donate to the Elks National Foundation in lieu of gifts to her!

“It was a wonderful birthday party and a great fundraiser for the Elks National Foundation,” says John Markiewicz, Florida’s Northeast District Chairperson.

Upon Jodie’s invitation, Mr. Markiewicz attended the party and spoke before the crowd about ENF programs for youth and veterans. Ms. Graves then presented Mr. Markiewicz with a check in the amount of $1,000 from the Green Cove Springs Lodge.

“Jodie and her Lodge should be commended for their generosity, and they have my gratitude,” Markiewicz declares. What an excellent example of creative fundraising, and a great way to personally celebrate the people who give!