We are...
• A fraternal order with hundreds of thousands of members and a 150+ year history.
• A network of nearly 2000 lodges in communities all over the country.
• A generous charitable foundation that each year gives millions in scholarships, an inspiration to youth, a friend to veterans and more. Origin
The Elks organization was founded in New York City on February 16, 1868 under the name "Jol
ly Corks" by 15 actors, entertainers and others associated with the theater. Purposes
This Fraternal Order was founded "To promote and practice the four cardinal virtues of Charity, Justice, Brotherly Love and Fidelity; to promote the welfare and enhance the happiness of its members; to quicken the spirit of American Patriotism and cultivate good
fellowship." Committees: All Committee Chairs can be reached via the Lodge Phone @ 270-350-0350 or via Email @ [email protected]
Youth Activities Committee: Maggie Edwards
Audit and Accounting Committee: Rich Gano, Jason Boren, Rick Crouch
Fraternal Committee: Elizabeth Harbolt
Veterans Committee: Brian Roberts
Public Relations Committee: David Workman, Tiffany Boren
Grants Committee: Elizabeth Harbolt
Membership
The Order is a non-political, non-sectarian and strictly American fraternity. Proposal for membership in the Order is only by invitation of a member in good standing. To be accepted as a member, one must be an American citizen, believe in God, be of good moral character and be at least 21 years old. What We Do
The Order spends more than $80,000,000 every year for benevolent, educational and patriotic community-minded programs in such fields as benefitting special needs children, sponsoring Elks National Foundation scholarships, scouting, athletic teams, veterans' works, a national "Hoop Shoot" free-throw contest involving more than 3 million children, physical and occupational therapy programs and patriotic programs. The youth of our country have always been important to the Order. It is for this reason the Elks Drug Awareness Education Program was launched to warn primary grade students and their parents of the dangers in drug use. Additionally, every lodge observes June 14th as Flag Day, a tradition which the Elks began in 1907 and was later adopted by the Congress as an official observance. Services
Community Investment: The mission of the Kentucky Elks State Project, “Kids with Cancer Fund,” is to provide pediatric cancer patients with monetary assistance for travel, food, and medical bills to help families cope with their child’s disease and treatment. The KEA also provides funding for Kids with Cancer Camps across the state of Kentucky. Hoop Shoot: Through the Hoop Shoot program, the Elks been developing and reinforcing grit for nearly 50 years—long before researchers and experts concluded that grit is so important for our children. Just listen to the parents and contestants in these videos. They’re talking about grit. Soccer Shoot: The world’s favorite sport now is the United States’ fastest growing children’s participatory activity. As early as the 1980s, Lodges of the B.P.O. Elks began to recognize this phenomenon and support it with league sponsorships as well as developing different skill contests. The Grand Lodge Activities Committee discussed the sport of soccer on many occasions as two of these contests grew to prominent status. Elks Drug Awareness Program (DAP): The Elks are committed to eliminating the use and abuse of illegal drugs by all members of society and believe that in order to ensure a bright future for our country, it is essential that our children be raised in a drug-free environment. Elks National Veterans Service Commission (ENVSC): Elks pledge "So long as there are veterans, the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks will never forget them." The Elks National Veterans Service Commission takes that pledge one step further, and promises service to our nation's veterans and military members, with a special focus on service to those in need. Elks National Foundation (ENF) Scholarships: The mission of the ENF is to help Elks build stronger communities. We fulfill this pledge by investing in communities where Elks live and work. We help youth develop lifelong skills, send students to college, meet the needs of today's veterans, support the charitable work of the state Elks associations, and fund projects that improve the quality of life in local Elks communities.
