NJ State Elks Association - State President's Welcome Message

In the Mid 1800’s a small group of actors who called themselves the Jolly Corks banded together and gathered weekly for fellowship and support. They soon realized that working to make their community a better place must play a major roll in their gatherings. With this in mind they wanted to change the name of the group to Elks or Buffalo. On February 16, 1868 by a vote of eight to seven, The Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks of the United States of America sprang into existence. The historic vote took place on Delancy Street in New York City. New Jersey played a part early on with Newark Lodge becoming the twenty first Elks Lodge. The New Jersey State Elks Association was formed 45 years later in 1913. What to learn more? Visit http://www.elks.org/history/default.cfm it will also give you a clue to my greeting!

It is an amazing Organization that these fifteen gentlemen were able start. The organization today has over one million members and donates millions of dollars to charities every year. NJ boasts over forty thousand members and donates over one million dollars to charities each and every year on its own. As impressive as the dollar amounts are, it is not what motivates me to be an active member, it is the fellowship I share with family and friends while helping those less fortunate. The Elks have programs/committees designed for the individual Lodges to truly make an impact in their respective communities. Becoming a member and getting involved in any one of the Elks programs is a great way to meet new friends and help others. Please visit http://www.elks.org/OurPrograms.cfm or explore this website to find a program that may interest you.

Today many organizations & groups honor our veterans, but it was the B.P.O.E back during WW1 that allocated $ 2million to finance efforts and organized and equipped the first two base hospitals to reach France – Unit 41 staffed by the faculty and alumni from the University of Virginia, and Unit 46 with University of Oregon faculty and alumni; The B.P.O.E. that in 1918 started the first VA Medical Center. Today through our Veterans Committee and Army of Hope Elk members gather and visit Veteran & Nursing homes to spend time with those who gave so much for our freedom. I can recall many memorable days travelling with friends and family members to visit our veterans. The days were spent full of laughter, fun and friendship. With the space I have I couldn’t scratch the surface of the impact of this committee. For more on the long and proud history of the Elks and Veterans please visit http://www.bpoe804.com/id42.html

Many charities have an impact on those who work hand in hand with the recipients of their benevolence; but a visit to Elks Camp Moore can be life changing. Elks Camp Moore is one of a few special needs camps left that does not put restrictions on the children by the type of disabilities they have and there is never a cost to the families. I want to say the fun I shared with the special children at the camp is priceless, but fun is not the correct word, at Elks Camp Moore, it is love that is shared. The love & giving doesn’t end at the camp. Many Lodges hold events at their Lodges ranging from beach days to dances.

The Elks touch people in so many ways, scholarships, food baskets for the needy, Youth Activities & on & on; “A man never stands as tall as when he bends over to help others” this is the feeling I love and want to share with all. Today the Elks has the same feel as the founders intended, groups of friends gathering for fun, fellowship and in the process supporting their neighborhoods. That is the best part of the Elks for me; the help goes to the people right in your neighborhood. Practical or financial you will see the results of your work or donation. Please explore this site as it is full of great information. If you are a member, thank you and use this site to expand on your Elk experience. If you are not a member, please contact me and I will get you set with the right people in the right Lodge.