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. They take pride in working hand in hand to serve their community and the ENF.

Rick and Patti have dedicated their life to serving the Elks. Both have served as Exalted Rulers and District Deputies. Currently, Rick is the Lodge ENF Chair and the Rhode Island State President. Patti serves as the Lodge Special Needs Chair. They are proud to support the Veterans Committee and the Youth Activities Committee. In addition to serving with the Elks, Rick has had an incredible military career, including time served as a Brigadier General at Guantanamo Bay.

Through the leadership positions they have held, Rick and Patti have developed a sense of responsibility to support the Foundation, which they do by giving at the Faith level annually.

“After we made our initial contribution, we began to see all the good the ENF does for Elkdom. We were mentored by a Past State President, David Sears, who was the Lodge ENF Chair. We both wanted to follow his example,” reflects Rick.

There are many options through which to give to the ENF, Rick and Patti chose to show their support through monthly donations as members of the Fidelity Club. To motivate members of his Lodge to contribute, Rick takes the time to approach them one-on-one.

“This year, we started recognizing members through raffle donations to increase their participation. The Lodge thinks of ways to make giving easy; especially by organizing successful fundraisers during the year,” Rick says.

Rick and Patti have been leading by example and inspiring members of their Lodge to support a cause that they are passionate about. For more information on recurring gifts, click here.