OUR LODGE AND 75 YEARS OF COMMUNITY COMMITMENT

When thinking about the Sanford Elks, it’s pretty common the first two things that come to mind are a pool and a bar.  But, we go a lot deeper than that.

In our early years, the main focus was establishing a new fraternal organization in Sanford and recruiting members.

The Elks National Foundation was established in 1928 and that was established as our main charity when we came along in 1945.  The foundation had a strong focus on scholarships and veterans nationwide.  We also had a national retirement home in Bedford Virginia until 2013.

On a state level, the Sanford Elks Lodge was a major contributor to the North Carolina Boys Camp which was established in 1944 in Hendersonville.  Over the years we contributed $100,000.  It’s unknown how many kids from Sanford attended that camp, but legends say we sent bus loads.  The camp sold in 2005.

On a national level, in addition to our contributions to the ENF, our most notable contribution was to the World War II Memorial in Washington DC.  In 1999 the Grand Lodge pledged an amount equal to $1 per member of all lodges in the United States.  This generated $1.22 million making the Elks the largest contributor to the project.  Little known was the person that led that project with the Grand Lodge.  D. Steve Gunter from the Sanford Lodge was the Grand Americanism Chairman and ran that entire project.  The Sanford Lodge was the first in the nation to make a contribution.

In the late 1980’s the ENF began to shift focus to more local projects.  As time went on, we found grants available to our lodge that we could use right here in Sanford.  Best example is that last year our members donated $ 4,750.00 to the ENF.  In turn, we were granted $12,000 back for local projects.

Beginning in 2000, we as a local lodge, took huge steps forward in our charitable contributions and projects.  Here are some highlights.

• In 2011 after a tornado struck Sanford, we ventured through ravished neighborhoods giving $100 gift cards to anyone – no questions asked.
• Contributed on a state level to buy television sets for all residents in the North Carolina Veterans Homes.
• Contributed on a state level to buy buses for all 3 homes.
• Continue to spend $1,000 annually for residents of the Fayetteville Veterans Home to buy special gifts and needs for residents.
• Support Camp Carefree for children with chronic illnesses.
• Financed the renovation of the Boys and Girls Club Park in Sanford, $ 3,000.00
• Financed and ran our own Cleats for Kids program, $ 2,500.00 annually
• Offered a back-to-school shoe program for younger children, $ 2,000.00
• Financed and ran our Christmas Toys for Teens program, $ 2,500.00 annually
• Purchased tablets for teen and young adult patients at the Jaycee Burn Center.
• Contributed annually to local Back Pack Pals – now totaling over $20,000.00
• Collected toys for our local fire departments’ 3 alarm toy drive.
• Sponsored the Student of the Month program for both high schools, $ 1,600.00 annually
• Sponsored the Student of the Year program for both high schools, $ 2,000.00 annually
• Sponsored the Most Valuable Student Scholarship program.
• Sponsored a Nursing Scholarship program.
• Sponsored the Legacy Scholarship program.
• Put on fundraisers for various local needs.
• Made our facilities available to not-for-profits at high discounts.
• Raised funds for both high schools going to national DECA competition.
• Donated and helped during hurricane disasters on the East Coast.
• We are proud members of the Sanford Area Chamber of Commerce and continue to be an active player in our community.

And we haven’t stopped.

Oh, we are so much more than just a bar and a pool.  When you are an Elk you are part of the most diversified fraternal organization in our area.

We have made our mark in 75 years thanks to all of you – BPOE – aka:  Best People On Earth.

Check back throughout the year for more on our colorful and rich history.

The Anniversary Committee

“Bringing our past forward”