September 2021
Dear Members:
Our lodge has been awarded four charitable grants from Elks National Foundation totaling $10,000.
First, we received a “Gratitude Grant” of $2000. Under normal circumstances, Gratitude Grants cannot be used for donations to local organizations. However, due to the pandemic, we were able to apply for and receive a grant that we donated to Fisher House of Ann Arbor. As you may know, Fisher House provides free housing to veterans and their families undergoing care at VA hospitals.
We also received a “Spotlight Grant” for $2000. As with Gratitude Grants, Spotlight Grants cannot normally be used for donations but because of the pressing human needs generated by the pandemic, we were able to donate this grant as well. In this case, the funds were given to CARES of Farmington.
The third grant we received was the “Freedom Grant” for $2500. This grant was used to continue our Lodge’s partnership with the Volunteers of America program to move veterans from temporary, transitional housing to permanent housing. As in past years, we worked with Fifth Avenue Furniture which is owned by Ray Zerki. Ray not only sells the furniture to us at his cost, he kicks in free delivery and makes a donation to cover the tax. This year we were able to buy chairs, beds, dressers, a sofa, end tables, kitchen table and chairs, and lamps to help furnish two households. Here are some photos:
We have just been notified that we are also approved for a $3500 “Beacon Grant.” Watch for a report once we expend that – and more pictures!
Please be generous to the Elks National Foundation. You can give directly to the Foundation (be sure to include our lodge number if you send your gift directly) or you can write a check to our Lodge and designate it for Elks National Foundation. We will add your gift to the contributions we’ve already received, combine it with the proceeds from the reserve raffle in February, and send one total check to Elks National Foundation in March, 2022.
Fraternally yours,
Cris Doby
Exalted Ruler