The Independent
Through their efforts, the Dixie Ladies of Elks support vital programs and services that build stronger communities through programs that support youth, serve veterans, and meet needs in areas where Elks live and work. Locally, LOE helps to fund organizations such as Camp Wapiti (a summer camp for medically challenged children), Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, the Erin Kimball Foundation, an annual Eye Fair (providing exams and glasses to children in need), the Millcreek Pantry Project, St. George Children’s Museum, Washington County Youth Crisis Center, the XP Foundation, the Grace Episcopal Church Soup Kitchen, and Scholarship Funds at Dixie State University.
Dixie LOE programs are also supported on a national level through the Elks National Foundation. At its February meeting in Tucson, the Elks National Foundation Board of Trustees approved appropriations and distributions for the 2016 fiscal year, totaling a record $28.95 million. It is important to note that, although their giving continues to rise, the fundamental expenses of the foundation are just 7.9%, far below the Better Business Bureau’s standard for charities of no more than 35 percent of total spending. In the state of Utah, this support represents a rate of return ratio of 1.803 on every dollar the Elks National Foundation receives from Utah Elks. Those funds were in addition to the Elks National Foundation’s Community Investments Program, which invested $8.68 million in Elks communities through lodge grants that enable Elks to meet local needs.
Local organizations who have benefited from Elks’ contributions–such as the Erin Kimball Foundation and the St. George Children’s Museum–play a pivotal role in building better communities. To be successful and create sustainability, they rely on local partnerships and the generosity of community-minded organizations. In April, the The Dixie Ladies of Elks presented checks to each of these organizations totaling $3,000.
“The Lady Elks provide tremendous support to the community, and we appreciate their generosity,” said Sue Kimball, interim executive director of the Erin Kimball Foundation. “Their contribution comes at a perfect time as we are opening our new facility and striving to meet the escalating need for housing for families fleeing violence.”
The Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks (BPOE) of the United States of America boasts nearly one million members in its 141-year history with a network of more than 2,000 lodges in communities across the country. The BPOE invests more than $80 million each year to benevolent, educational, patriotic, and community-minded programs in such fields as benefiting physically handicapped 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 Elks National Foundation is a registered 501(c)(3) public charity. To learn more about the foundation, or to find a lodge in your community, please visit www.elks.org.
