01/31/2026
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MEDIA ALERT – FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Elks Celebrate 158 Years of Service, Charity, and Community Impact
Founded February 16, 1868 – A Legacy of Giving Continues
Chicago, IL – February 16, 2026 — The Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks proudly celebrates its 158th anniversary, honoring a legacy built on service, patriotism, and compassion in action. For more than a century and a half, the Elks have stood shoulder to shoulder with their communities—answering the call, lifting up neighbors, and proving that real charity is not a slogan, but a way of life.
This milestone year also leads to a once-in-a-century celebration: on July 4, 2026, the Elks will commemorate the 100th Anniversary of the Elks National Memorial and Headquarters Building in Chicago—an American landmark that embodies the heart of the Order.
Dedicated in 1926, the Elks National Memorial rises 96 feet above Lake Michigan as a breathtaking tribute to those who served our nation and to the Elks who made its creation possible. In 2026, thousands of Elks from across the country will gather in Chicago to honor a century of history—and renew a promise that still matters: to serve, to give, and to lead with purpose.
That promise continues today with impact that is measurable and undeniable. Elks Lodges nationwide award $5 million annually in scholarships, and through the Elks Community Investment Program, the Order will deliver $17.6 million in grants to strengthen neighborhoods, support seniors, fight hunger, and improve community safety. In 2024, Elks volunteers generated more than $531 million in charitable impact, reflecting the strength of a mission that never stops moving.
With nearly 800,000 members and close to 1,800 Lodges nationwide, the Elks continue to welcome American citizens age 21 and older who believe in God and share a commitment to serving others.
To learn more, visit www.elks.org.
For membership information, visit Join.Elks.org.
