Remembering Jeffrey E. Patterson Posted 5/24/2017 Jeff Patterson lived and breathed scholarships. He loved hearing the top scholars speak at Convention and interacting with them and other scholars at the Foundation’s donor events.
Working Hand in Hand Posted 12/13/2016 Meet Rick and Patti Baccus of Bristol County, R.I., Lodge No. 1860, who together help enhance the power of Lodges through their charitable support of the Elks National Foundation.
True Grit Elks: Tom 'Tex' Tracy Posted 11/9/2015 Tex is an ENF Chair and is also involved with the Hoop Shoot, Drug Awareness, Veterans Service Committees and the Soccer Shoot. A recipient of the Purple Heart, Tex exemplifies grit, read on to learn how.
True Grit Elks: Danniele McKnight Posted 10/20/2015 Danniele McKnight—a member of Frederick, Md., Lodge No. 684 for 13 years—has served Elkdom in various capacities, including as the ENF Fundraising Chair for her Lodge. Danniele exemplifies grit. To read how, check out her True Grit Elks bio below.
True Grit Elks: Bill Oakley Posted 10/15/2015 Elks know they can make a difference in their communities and that they can influence the next generation in a positive way. The Elks National Foundation has the privilege and responsibility to help Elks do that by developing programs and providing grants. Bill Oakley is an Elk making a difference in his community. Read more about his story here.
Recruit, Retain, Repeat Posted 8/4/2014 You recruited a new donor. The next step is to get this donor to give again. Easier said than done! Read Lodge ENF Fundraising Chairs Carolyn Coburn and Earl Schellman's top five tips on retaining donors.
Fundraising Keys to Success Posted 4/1/2014 Are you looking for ways to improve your fundraising efforts in the upcoming fiscal year? Maybe you’d like some words of wisdom as you pass the fundraising torch in 2014-15. Read some advice from fellow ENF Fundraising Chairs!
Brian LawrenceWestbrook, Conn., Lodge No. 1784 Posted 3/5/2014 After seven years as Lodge ENF Fundraising Chair, Brian Lawrence knows that stronger communities start with a winning team. Read about his strategy.
Tom ConlonFullerton, Calif., Lodge No. 1993 Posted 2/4/2014 State ENF Fundraising Chair Tom Conlon promotes the ENF Fidelity Club in his state. Read how he encourages members to sign up for this safe, reliable giving program.
Susan MarkleHesperia, Calif., Lodge No. 2646 Posted 1/7/2014 To show members how donations to the ENF build stronger communities, Lodge ENF Chair Susan Markle champions Community Investments Program grants. Read her story.
Matthew HolmyLong Beach, Wash., Lodge No. 1937 Posted 12/5/2013 Knowing important ENF information, using ENF reports, and updating their ENF in Our Lodge poster help Lodge ENF Chair Matthew Holmy keep members excited in support of the ENF. Read more about Holmy's three keys to success.
Patricia MillinghausenMount Holly, N.J., Lodge No. 848 Posted 11/5/2013 By educating and including new, lapsed and repeat ENF donors, Lodge ENF Chair Patricia Millinghausen has helped her Lodge meet many of its fundraising and service goals for the 2013-14 fiscal year. Read what else she attributes to this success.
LeRoy OlsonFallon, Nev., Lodge No. 2239 Posted 10/7/2013 Halfway through a successful first year as Lodge ENF Chair, Olson looks forward to his Lodge’s October Murder Mystery Dinner fundraiser. Read about the fundraiser and Olson's plans for the Fallon Lodge.
Aaron SmithOak Harbor, Wash., Lodge No. 2362 Posted 9/10/2013 As Lodge, District and State ENF Chair, Aaron Smith stays busy. He relies on online remittances as an easy, reliable way to send in donations to the ENF. Read more about Smith and the state of Washington's success in supporting the ENF.
David WinnerWooster, Ohio, Lodge No. 1346 Posted 8/6/2013 For completing all the courses in the ENF Learning Center, ENF Chair David Winner received his 2013-14 Chair Certificate. Read what Winner learned and how he plans to put it to use in the future.
Mike CarrollBessemer, Ala., Lodge No. 721 Posted 5/2/2013 Congratulations to ENF Chair Mike Carroll and Bessemer, Ala., Lodge No. 721, the winners of the 2012-13 Chair Challenge! Read about Carroll's successful fundraising program in support of the ENF.
Jacqueline GaudetMissoula ‘Hell Gate,’ Mont., Lodge No. 383 Posted 4/10/2013 In late 2010, Missoula ‘Hell Gate,’ Mont., Lodge No. 383’s per-member-giving total barely equaled a pocketful of spare change. This year, with the help of ENF Chair Jacqueline Gaudet, the Lodge holds the top per-capita spot in the state!
Lisa BerthiaumeManchester, Conn., Lodge No. 1893 Posted 3/11/2013 Berthiaume Battles for a Top Spot in Conn. Ten years ago, Manchester, Conn., Lodge No. 1893 barely surpassed $1 in per-member giving. Today, with ENF Chair Lisa Berthiaume leading the charge, the Lodge is close to holding one of the top per-capita spots in the state!
Charles F. Boyle PERBennington, Vt., Lodge No. 567 Posted 2/4/2013 After eight years as ENF Chair, Charles Boyle knows how to motivate the members of Bennington, Vt., Lodge No. 567. His hard work is paying off! Bennington Lodge leads the state of Vermont in ENF giving so far this year.
Russell Gerace Plaquemine, La., Lodge 1398 Posted 1/8/2013 Last year, Plaquemine, La., Lodge No. 1398 placed first in overall per-member giving with a grand total of $121.175. This year, the Lodge is holding strong in third place with a total of $63.280 per member through December 31. So, what does it take to achieve such a high per capita? Lodge ENF Chair Russell Gerace has a couple of secrets, and after some persuasion, decided to share them to help other ENF Chairs succeed in raising their Lodges’ per-member-giving totals.
Gil ValeManassas, Va., Lodge 2515 Posted 12/7/2012 This year, Manassas, Va. Lodge No. 2512 has already raised more than $1,400 and reached a per capita of $10.57! Lodge ENF Chair Gil Vale contributes to this success in a big way.
Jerry GoodaleSand Springs, Okla. Lodge 2533 Posted 11/14/2012 Jerry Goodale, long-time ENF Chair, is the ENF’s raffle winner for the new iPad for earning his ENF Chair Certificate prior to October 15.
Jeff MillerRice Lake, Wis., Lodge No. 1441 Posted 10/29/2012 Last year, Rice Lake, Wis., Lodge No. 1441 set out to raise money for the ENF and bowled their way to a perfect 300! With the help of ENF Chair Jeff Miller, the Lodge threw a 9-pin bowling tournament to raise funds and honor a longtime member. The fundraiser was a big success with a lot of community support and enthusiasm. Here’s how Miller helped bring the big idea to life.
Rose Lavay Marathon, Fla. Lodge No. 2139 Posted 10/22/2012 Last year, Marathon, Fla. Lodge No. 2139 was transported back to the 1950s with the help of ENF Chair Rose Lavay. The Lodge’s third annual Sock Hop Fundraiser in celebration of ENF Month was a huge success. Here’s how Lavay and the Marathon Elks rock and rolled to raise funds for ENF programs.
Thomas Spagnoli Red Bank, N.J. Lodge No. 233 Posted 10/15/2012 Last year, Thomas Spagnoli, Lodge ENF Chair for Red Bank, N.J. Lodge No. 233, hosted the Lodge’s annual Oktoberfest celebration as it’s ENF month fundraiser. The event was a success, and a good time was had by all who attended. Read on for Spagnoli’s description of the event as well as his advice to fellow ENF Chairs.
Richard Stolte Greeley, Colo., Lodge No. 809 Posted 10/5/2012 While he doesn’t live in the Mile-High City, Lodge and District ENF Chair Richard Stolte has had mile-high results fundraising in his Lodge.
Chris Graves Marshall County, Ala., Lodge No. 2869 Posted 9/10/2012 ENF Chair Chris Graves and his Lodge make the most of his employer’s matching program. They match both Graves’ donations and his volunteer hours for the ENF!
Susan KetchumMountain Home, Idaho Lodge No. 2276 Posted 8/6/2012 It’s not always easy to get Lodge members to donate to the ENF, but Mountain Home Lodge ENF Chair Susan Ketchum has found a way.
Don GehringOrmond Beach, Fla. Lodge No. 2193 Posted 4/13/2012 After five successful years as ENF Chair of Ormond Beach, Fla. Lodge No. 2193, Don Gehring is retiring from the position. As one of his final acts as ENF Chair, Gehring shares some advice for selecting and training a new ENF Chair.
Leo ShielWoonsocket, R.I., Lodge No. 850 Posted 3/7/2012 ENF Chair Leo Shiel and the Rhode Island Elks motivate ENF support from many of their members. Gain some insight into their method for success.
Jim GislasonVincennes, Ind., Lodge No. 291 Posted 2/1/2012 Read how a bet Jim Gislason made 16 years ago continues to pay off for the ENF.
John MarkiewiczJacksonville, Fla., Lodge No. 221 Posted 1/6/2012 As an ENF Chair, a dedicated veterans’ advocate, an ENF donor and a member of the John F. Malley Society, John Markiewicz of Jacksonville, Fla., Lodge No. 221 is truly committed to furthering the mission of the Elks National Foundation. We caught up with him this month to discuss his experience as an ENF Chair and a proud Elks member.
Doyle RollerOklahoma State ENF ChairShawnee, Okla., Lodge No. 657 Posted 12/7/2011 If you’re an officer at your Lodge, Doyle Roller, Oklahoma’s State ENF Chair, has a message for you.
Patricia GilleApache Junction, Ariz., Lodge No. 2349 Posted 11/4/2011 A spark of energy shines from Apache Junction, Ariz., Lodge No. 2349, thanks to Patricia Gille, the Lodge’s new ENF Chair. Read how Gille motivates members to give.
Tadeusz KrupaLakewood, Colo., Lodge No. 1777 Posted 10/4/2011 Tad Krupa raises money for ENF the old-fashioned way: by being friendly toward members, expressing gratitude for their donations and respecting their check books.
Pedro RosaState Capitol, N.Y., District No. 6480 Posted 9/6/2011 For members and Lodge ENF Chairs in State Capitol, N.Y., District No. 6480, raising money for the Elks National Foundation is fun. That’s because Pedro Rosa, their District ENF Chair, has taught them to be a community of fundraisers. Whether promoting recurring gifts or leveraging the impact of Community Investments Program grants at his Lodge, Rosa always keeps the ENF in mind and makes certain that Elks members and their communities do, too.
Willis SchillerWaukesha, Wis., Lodge No. 400 Posted 3/14/2011 As Lodge ENF Chair for 12 years and a member of the Elks for 30, Willis Schiller of Waukesha, Wis., Lodge No. 400 keeps the ENF on everyone’s mind.
Russell CramerNewport, Ky. Lodge No. 273 Posted 1/28/2011 When members of Newport, Ky., Lodge No. 273 want to donate to the ENF, they know to approach ENF Chair Russell Cramer with their money and a bar napkin.
Margaret 'Peggy' LambTiconderoga, N. Y. Lodge No. 1494 Posted 1/7/2011 Peggy Lamb's fundraising efforts have earned her high marks in the Chair Challenge. Find out what strategies have worked for her Lodge!
Raymond 'Tom' RootWestminster, Colo. Lodge No. 2227 Posted 12/9/2010 If you live in Colorado and ever have questions related to the Elks National Foundation, chances are you’ll turn to Tom Root.
Norman GarrisonMorganton, N.C. Lodge No. 1852 Posted 11/8/2010 Learn how Norman Garrison's loyal support of the ENF inspires other Lodge members to give.
Bill KelloggSpringfield, Ore., Lodge No. 2145 Posted 9/10/2010 As a former recruiter in the Marine Corps, Bill Kellogg has some experience motivating others. This skill serves him well in his role as ENF Chairperson of Springfield, Ore. Lodge No. 2145!
Jon ShennettSitka, Alaska, Lodge No. 1662 Posted 8/5/2010 Take a Jon Shennett's advice for success as an ENF Chairperson.
Raymond EdgeLubbock, Tex., Lodge No. 1348 Posted 4/16/2010 Learn how Raymond Edge encourages his Lodge members to commit to monthly support of the ENF!
Tom WojnarMelbourne, Fla. Lodge No. 1744 Posted 3/10/2010 Take heed of Tom Wojnar's warning: Time is running out to submit ENF donations for 2009-10!
Roni GriffithApache Junction, Ariz., Lodge No. 2349 Posted 2/4/2010 Roni Griffith encourages members to celebrate St. Patrick's Day by supporting the Foundation!
Cullen DowningClaremont, N. H. Lodge No. 879 Posted 1/14/2010 An ENF Chairperson leaves a legacy through the John F. Malley Society!
LaDonna LaCroixWorland, Wyo. Lodge No. 1908 Posted 12/8/2009 LaDonna LaCroix has organized two creative ENF fundraisers in her two years as ENF Chairperson. Read on to learn about her success!
Conn NaveElizabethton, Tenn. Lodge No. 1847 Posted 11/9/2009 When Conn Nave joined the Elks in 1972, he was looking for a place to relax and socialize. More than 35 years later, he is still "hanging out" at the Lodge, and fundraising for the ENF!
Tom NesvigOwatonna, Minn., Lodge No. 1395 Posted 10/15/2009 Tom Nesvig is a man with a plan. He tells us, in his own words, how he's made the ENF a priority in his Lodge.
Mark ThomasDenver, Colo., Lodge No. 17 Posted 4/21/2009 Mark Thomas, an Elk for 12 years, followed the lead of some strong examples.
David BlankenshipWest Virginia State ENF Chair Posted 4/21/2009 When David Blankenship sets a goal, he doesn’t take it lightly. That’s why in the state of West Virginia last year, every single Lodge met the GER’s per-capita goal.
Bruce RoyalAthol-Orange, Mass., Lodge No. 1837 Posted 4/21/2009 Bruce Royal joined the Elks in 1990 and started giving to the ENF right away.
Carolyn ShupeSanta Barbara, Calif., Lodge No. 613 Posted 4/21/2009 About two years ago, Carolyn Shupe decided to join her local Elks Lodge and with her experience as a teacher, was immediately assigned to maintain the Lodge’s bulletin boards. When the Leading Knight at her Lodge asked her to take on the ENF Chairmanship, she gladly accepted.
Don WalkerCalabash, N.C., Lodge No. 2679 Posted 4/21/2009 ENF Chairs of larger Lodges face a challenge: how can I get more Lodge members involved with the Foundation when I don't even know all of their names? Don Walker, ENF Chairman of Calabash, N.C. Lodge No. 2679 identifies this as one of the biggest challenges of his position.
Bill RichardsSheboygan, Wisc., Lodge No. 299 Posted 4/21/2009 Richards became the ENF Chair of his Lodge 30 years ago, when it came to his attention that members of his Lodge didn’t know much about the Foundation.
Jerry GoodaleSand Springs, Okla. Lodge No. 2553 Posted 4/21/2009 We’ve all heard the phrase “practice makes perfect,” and after more than 20 years of practice, many Elks would argue that Jerry Goodale has perfected the role of ENF Chair.
Greag "Butch" MeriwetherKingman, Ariz. No. 468 Posted 4/21/2009 With a lofty goal of $15 per capita at the beginning of this year, Meriwether planned a number of ENF fundraisers to attain his goal.
Linda RogersRio Rancho, NM Lodge No. 2500 Posted 4/21/2009 When she accepted the position of ENF Chair at her Lodge, Linda Rogers knew that she needed to become an expert on the Foundation, and fast.
Kevin P. O'ShaughnessyVictorville, CA Posted 2/21/2008 Enthusiasm goes a long way. So does a bit of friendly competition. Both of these are helping the ENF in the Lodge and District of ENF Chair Kevin O’Shaughnessy.
Jerry OltmanSebastian, FL. Lodge No. 2714 Posted 2/21/2008 Lodge chairperson Jerry Oltman of Sebastian, Fla. Lodge No. 2714 took on the job with a goal: He wants his Lodge to give $5000 to the ENF this fiscal year, which results in approximately $12 per capita.
Scott LymanMI State Chair Posted 2/21/2008 Sometimes old methods work best, but sometimes fresh ideas mean big success!
Roger McQueenShenandoah, IA Lodge No. 1122- Posted 2/21/2008 Whoever came up with the saying ‘talk is cheap’ didn’t know Roger McQueen and his fundraising success.
Don BehnkeFond du Lac, WI., Lodge No. 57 Posted 2/21/2008 Lodge ENF Chairperson Don Behnke knows the importance of leading by example, which explains his most recent fundraising idea.
Jodie Graves Green Cove Springs, FL, Lodge No. 1892 Posted 9/18/2007 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.
Janet Rasmussen Poway, CA, Lodge No. 2543 Posted 9/18/2007 When Janet Rasmussen first joined, she knew nothing about the Elks. Now a very busy District ENF Chairperson, Rasmussen is also the Exalted Ruler for Lodge!
James JohnsonFort Pierce, Fla., Lodge No. 1520 Posted 10/19/2006 As the Fort Pierce chairman for more than five years and currently leading the state for per capita, James Johnson knows a thing or two about fundraising.
Arlene 'R' Boothby Casa Grande Valley, AZ Lodge No. 1957 Posted 9/7/2006 When 'R' Boothby was assigned the ENF chair position, she was unsure what the job entailed or where to even start!
Charles Tynes Marietta, Ga., Lodge No. 1657 Posted 8/7/2006 Although it's been a while since Charles Tynes was last a student, the ENF chair of four years still relates to college hopefuls.
Dennis Jones Worland, WY Lodge No. 1908 Posted 4/10/2006 Still relatively new to the Order, Dennis Jones' interest in the ENF first sparked because he enjoyed making a difference. The Worland Lodge member of just two years took that motto to heart.
Alice PhillipsPalm Springs, CA, Lodge No. 1905 Posted 3/8/2006 Alice Phillips takes on her role as ENF chair as she would with any job-exuding pride and optimism. She's a strong believer in each program, and is more than willing to go the extra mile for what she believes. "I welcome the challenges of meeting goals and increasing the per capita. I truly enjoy working with the Elks," says Phillips.
Julie DieuAberdeen, WA, Lodge No. 593 Posted 2/10/2006 Julie Dieu's work as ENF chair began last year, following a five-year term on her Lodge's Board of Trustees. "I like being involved with the charitable portion of the Elks," Dieu says. "Once I got off the board, I wanted to do my part for the Lodge and our local community."
Keith BarkerClovis-Portales, NM, Lodge No. 1244 Posted 1/11/2006 Eight years after his Initiation, Keith Barker first discovered the ENF. At the New Mexico State Convention, he saw an ENF presentation and decided to change the existing attitude at his Lodge.
Linda Averill Everett, WA Lodge No. 479 Posted 12/13/2005 As Washington state MVS chair and ENF chair for her Lodge, Linda Averill holds the scholarship program close to her heart.
Nels Christianson Wyoming State Chair Posted 9/8/2005 Wyoming ENF Chair Nels Christianson joined the Elks three years ago with a genuine respect for his fellow Elks and a desire to support their charitable works. Hes been involved ever since.
Clarence Ed Carter WA State Chair Posted 8/4/2005 Washington state ENF chair Clarence Ed Carter leads a very active life. In addition to his state chair duties, Ed is on the state Ritual Committee and is Secretary for his Lodge. If these responsibilities weren’t enough, he also attended the convention in Reno and took part in the “Share Your Ideas” seminar.
Gary Sharp Albion, MI Lodge No. 1798 Posted 4/15/2005 After joining the Elks 24 years ago, Gary Sharp wasted no time getting involved. He became an officer one month after his initiation and hasn’t stopped since. This past year, he took on the challenge of serving as his Lodge’s ENF chair.
David Sieker Elyria, OH, Lodge No. 465 Posted 3/8/2005 Three years ago, as his Lodge was struggling to meet the GER’s per-capita goal, Dave Sieker volunteered to take over as ENF chair. Since then, their per capita has jumped from $1.01 per member in 2002 to more than $30 per member this year.
Amy BykkonenCalumet, MI, Lodge No. 404 Posted 2/9/2005 When Amy boasts about the ENF’s scholarship programs, take her word for it. It wasn’t long ago that she was struggling to afford college, so she knows firsthand the pressures many scholarship recipients face. That’s why she gladly serves as her Lodge’s ENF and Most Valuable Student scholarship chair.
Georgiana GersleyTempe, AZ, Lodge No. 2251 Posted 1/13/2005 Present Georgiana with a challenge and she’ll tackle it. This no-nonsense ENF Lodge and District chair welcomes the hard work required to motivate Elks to donate.
James M. Bateman Summerville, SC Lodge No. 2719 Posted 12/13/2004 Every year, James Bateman can count on at least three people to set an example and donate to the Foundation early-his wife, his sister, and himself. He believes it’s important to support the Foundation annually and he challenges the officers and PERs in his Lodge to live up to this belief.
Martin Rosenthal Islip, NY Lodge No. 2533 Posted 11/10/2004 Autumn, wine, a festival and food were the winning ingredients cooked up by Martin for his ENF Month fundraiser.
Lance Pliml Wisconsin State Chair Posted 11/10/2004 With Lance marketing the ENF as, “the engine that drives everything the Elks do,” you’d think he sold cars for a living.
Earl R. GreenBoulder City, NV, Lodge No. 1682 Posted 9/7/2004 Prior to his retirement, Earl Green was a salesman for 25 years. “I know how important it is to truly believe in what you are trying to sell,” he explains. “I strongly believe in the ENF, and I intend to do everything I can to inform my Lodge of its importance.”
Carol Lee CarlinMcKees Rocks, PA, Lodge No. 1263 Posted 8/9/2004 When it comes to raising money for the ENF, Carol Carlin isn’t afraid to try new things.
Maroon NemerSkowhegan-Madison, ME Lodge No. 2531 Posted 4/15/2004 When the Elks of the Skowhegan-Madison Lodge see ENF Chairman Maroon Nemer marching into their lodge, they clutch their pockets and shout, “Hide your wallets he’s here.”
Richard HartManila, PI Lodge No. 761 Posted 3/8/2004 The motto of Richard Hart’s alma mater, Kings Point, is “Acta Non Verba” or “Deeds or actions without words.”
Pat Gindhart and CommitteeGreater Wildwood, NJ Lodge 1896 Posted 2/6/2004 “It has been a team effort from the beginning and we are truly blessed because not only are we doing something good for our Lodge and community, but we have a great time together.”
Dave McMurrinOuray, CO Lodge No. 492 and CO West District Posted 1/8/2004 Dave McMurrin joined the Elks 15 years ago, and has been working hard for the Foundation ever since. Frustrated by his Lodge’s giving record, Dave made it a personal goal to improve his Lodge’s ENF standing. Luckily, he stuck around even after his Lodge rose to the top!
Dennis Bagley Albany, NY Lodge No. 49 Posted 12/9/2003 For Dennis Bagley, Elkdom is a family affair. His father was a member before him, and his brothers, wife and sons all currently belong to Albany Lodge. He’s been helping out at the Lodge since he was young, and two years ago he took over the position as ENF Chair for his Lodge.
Cathy EngelkingNorth District, MN Posted 11/10/2003 Although Cathy Engelking has only been serving as District ENF Chair for a couple of years, she’s been familiar with the job for years. She worked closely with the previous district Chair, helping him organize records, writing reports, and gathering information from the website. When her predecessor passed away in 2001, Cathy was a natural fit for the job.
George KellermanSonora, CA Lodge No. 1587 Posted 10/8/2003 Before he retired, George Kellerman’s work involved managing foundation and endowment money. After retirement, working for the Elks National Foundation seemed a natural fit for him
Mary AlcornWaynesville, NC Lodge No. 1769 Posted 3/11/2003 Three years ago, Mary Alcorn noticed that her Lodge wasn’t having much success raising money for the Foundation. Driven by her strong belief in the ENF and its good works, she took over as ENF Chairperson and set her sights on improving her Lodge’s record of giving.
Norman Gervais Rochester, NH Lodge No. 1393 Posted 2/5/2003 Having served as ENF Chairperson for his Lodge for more than 20 years, Norm Gervais knows what it takes to keep members committed to the Foundation.
John Johnson Kingsville, TX Lodge No. 1926 Posted 1/9/2003 John Johnson took over the position of ENF Chairperson for his Lodge because he wanted to improve on his Lodge’s past record of giving. He certainly kept his word.