Grant-tastic Night! Columbus Grove City #37 Dish Out ENF Grants.
The Columbus Grove City Elks Lodge #37 brought the community together on Friday, February 20, 2026, for a special ENF fundraiser. During the event, members proudly awarded several Elks National Foundation grants to organizations making a meaningful impact in Grove City. MASH, a local veterans support group, received a $2,000 Spotlight Grant to further its mission of assisting former service members. The Bed Brigade, known for providing beds and essential furnishings to families in need, was presented with a $4,000 Beacon Grant. In addition, the Grove City Food Pantry was awarded a $3,500 Gratitude Grant to help sustain its efforts in fighting food insecurity.
2026 DAP Poster Winner Announced
Sharon Brown Jackson #466 Lodge DAP Chairman; Winter Shepherd; Becky Underhill State DAP Chairman
Congratulations to Winter Shepherd, winner of the 2026 Ohio Elks Drug Awareness Poster Contest. Winter also earned the Jackson #466 Lodge award as well as the South Central District Pennant Award. As Ohio’s state winner, she received a $100 gift card, a blue ribbon, and a certificate. Her original theme, “I’d Rather Eat Bugs than do Drugs,” delivers a simple, memorable message that will connect with other children. Winter is the daughter of Justin and Ginger Shepherd and a third grader at Wellston Intermediate School in Wellston, Ohio. Her poster has been forwarded on to the Grand Lodge Drug Awareness Commission for national judging. Fingers crossed we’ll see Winter’s artwork on the cover of the 2026 DAP coloring book. Shown left to right: Sharon Brown, Jackson #466 Lodge DAP Chairman; Winter Shepherd; and Becky Underhill, Ohio DAP Chairman.
Lima Elks Lodge #54 Helps Presents Girl Scout Gold Awards
On March 8,2026, the Lima Elks Lodge #54 recognized 28 Girl Scouts from the Girl Scouts of Western Ohio Council during their Gold Award Ceremony.
The award consisted of the American flag and the Gold Award Certificate along with the Grand Exalted Rulers’s Congratulatory letter, Certificate of Merit and the Elks/Scouting Pin.
Congratulations to these Gold Award recipients on their many achievements.
Play Ball!!!! Join Your Fellow Elks at Wrigley Field During Grand Lodge
Join the Ohio Elks Association for an unforgettable Elks Day at Wrigley Field during Grand Lodge as the Cubs take on the Cardinals in one of baseball’s greatest rivalries! Experience the excitement of historic Wrigley, connect with fellow Ohio Elks, and be part of a day filled with camaraderie, ballpark fare and baseball. Tickets are purchased individually, so grab yours early and make plans to join us for a fun‑filled afternoon celebrating Elkdom in one of the most iconic ballparks in America. Let’s show Chicago how Ohio Elks rally together!
Jul 04, 2026 7:08 PM CDT
Cuyahoga Falls-Akron-Barberton Elks Lodge #1923 Honors Outstanding Members
L-R: Greg Arndt; Dawn Herman; Rick James
During the Lodge meeting held on March 3, 2026, Exalted Ruler Troy Snyder took the opportunity during the Good of the Order to recognize three members for their exceptional service and dedication to the principles of Elkdom. The following Grand Lodge awards were presented to these deserving individuals: Officer of the Year: Greg Arndt Elk of the Year: Dawn Herman Distinguished Citizen of the Year: Rick James These recipients were honored for going above and beyond in their service to the Lodge, its members, and the local community. Their tireless efforts embody the spirit of the Order and set a standard of excellence for Lodge #1923. Congratulations to Greg, Dawn, and Rick for these well-deserved honors.
Northeast District Lodges Recognized for ENF Achievements
Roger Boltz - Ravenna #1076, John Logozzo - Massillon - North Canton #2029, Debbie Greenhill - Berea #1815, Troy Snyder - Cuyahoga Falls - Akron - Barberton #1923, Kim Chapman - Salem #305, J.C. Yex - Parma #1938, Lisa Wadlow - Kent #1377, Joe Haas - Painesville #549, John Mann - Alliance #467, Dan Blank - Conneaut #256, Jim Cozzarin - Willoughby - Cleveland #18
At the January 2026 Northeast District Meeting held at Parma Elks Lodge, several Lodges were recognized for their outstanding commitment to the Elks National Foundation (ENF). These Lodges reached or surpassed their Grand Lodge ENF per capita goals, a significant milestone that directly supports the charitable works of the Order. District Activities Chair Sarah Jensen presented certificates of congratulations to the following Lodges in recognition of their tremendous work and dedication: Alliance #467 Berea #1815 Conneaut #256 Cuyahoga Falls - Akron - Barberton #1923 Kent #1377 Massillon North Canton #2029 Painesville #549 Parma #1938 Ravenna #1076 Salem #305 Willoughby - Cleveland #18 The presentation highlighted the collective effort of members across the district to ensure the success of ENF programs. The certificates serve as a testament to the hard work put in by these Northeast District Lodges to meet their philanthropic goals for the year.
Join the Ohio Elks Association Endowment Benevolence Club: A Quiet Step Toward Big Impact
Becoming a member of the Ohio Elks Association Endowment Fund Benevolence Club means choosing to make a consistent, meaningful difference through a monthly donation. This ongoing support helps the Endowment grow steadily, ensuring that the charitable work of the Elks can continue well into the future.
Right now, the Ohio Elks Endowment is in an important fundraising and building phase. As the fund grows and eventually reaches maturity, it will be able to support our current state major project—Cerebral Palsy—as well as other charitable causes that the Association may determine are worthy in the years to come.
And that’s what makes the Benevolence Club so special: none of us knows what future needs will look like, but this fund ensures we’ll be ready. When the time comes, the Endowment may help support a food bank, a hospital wing, a homeless veterans shelter, a children’s camp, Special Olympics, medical research, scholarships, recreational programs, or any number of community-focused initiatives. The possibilities are wide, and the impact can be profound.
Your monthly gift—no matter the amount—becomes part of something bigger. It joins with the contributions of others to build a permanent resource capable of empowering charitable work for generations. There’s a quiet pride in knowing that each month, you’re planting seeds that will grow into opportunities and support for people who need it most.
If you’re looking for a simple, sustainable, and forward‑thinking way to deepen your involvement with the Elks, joining the Benevolence Club is one of the most meaningful steps you can take. It’s generosity that keeps giving, well into the future.
Ohio Crowns Hoop Shoot Champions! Next Stop Regionals
The competition was amazing at the Ohio State Elks Hoop Shoots Free Throw Contest, held at Liberty Middle School in Newark. A total of 36 youngsters competed for a chance to advance to the U.S. Great Lakes Regional in March. Results were:
8-9 girls: Gigi Trotter, Chillicothe, 20/25, 4/5; Avery Cody, Massillon/North Canton, 20/25, 3/5; Harper Raber, Wooster, 16/25; Edee Fearon, Greenville, 15/25; Maci Brownfield, Barnesville, 13/25; Meredith Mizla, Port Clinton, 2/25.
8-9 boys: Calvin Homan, Mercer County, 23/25; Carson Conger, Lebanon, 22/25; Karter Breyman, Bellevue, 21/25; Griffin Johnson, Alliance, 19/25; Kase Johnson, Barnesville, and Finn Enz, Portsmouth, 17/25.
10-11 girls: Ainsley Weaver, Chillicothe, 24/25; Emma Surnear, Massillon/North Canton, 16/25; Aria Record, Hamilton, 14/25; Lucy Kuhn, Findlay, 13/25; Ensley Steele, Barnesville 10/25; Jazelle Feliciano, Lorain, 7/25.
10-11 boys: Leonidas Regel, Ohio River Valley, 22/25. Alec Brown, Bellevue, 21/25, 4/5; Brody Howe, Lima, 21/25, 3/5; Ean Huffer, Chillicothe, 19/25; J.J. Green, Massillon/North Canton, 16/25; Jackson Anderson, Wilmington, 11/25.
12-13 girls: August Adams, Massillon/North Canton, 22/25, 26/30; Makayla Barga, Greenville, 22/25, 25/30; Skye Martin, Chillicothe, 21/25, 5/5; Stella Sheeley, Mercer County, 21/25, 2/5; Cadence Watson, Coshocton, 18/25; Briell Allen, Lorain, 8/25.
12-13 boys: Brody Ersnthausen, Lebanon, 22/25, 5/5; Grayson McCully, Alliance, 22/25, 2/5; Blake Garrison, Mercer County, 21/25; Channing Berberick, Bellevue, 20/25; Alden West, Coshocton, 17/25; Maverick Vogt, Nelsonville, 10/25.
All contestants and families were given Friday night lodging at the Newark DoubleTree Hotel, dinner on Friday and breakfast on Saturday, and all contestants received Elks basketballs, Drug Awareness backpacks/goodies, water bottles, goodie bags and t-shirts, compliments of the Ohio Elks Association.
The six age group winners now advance to the United States Great Lakes Region 4 Hoop Shoot the weekend of March 13-14, 2026, in South Bend, IN, and will take on competitors from Indiana and Michigan. Winners at that event will advance to the National Competition in Chicago, IL the weekend of April 17-19, 2026.
The 2027 Ohio Elks Hoop Shoot Finals has been set for Saturday, Feb. 20, 2027, at Liberty Middle School in Newark.
Ashland #1360 Strikes Out Drugs at Bowling Event
The Ashland Elks Lodge 1360 recently hosted a family bowling day at Luray Lanes, where 46 members and guests came together for an afternoon of fun and fellowship. The event featured bowling, pizza, and drinks for all attendees, creating an enjoyable atmosphere for families. In addition, Drug Awareness materials were provided as part of the Elks’ ongoing commitment to community education and youth outreach.
Van Wert #1197 Spreads Hope with Gratitude Grant
Pictured left to right are Teresa Schaffer, Haven of Hope Board President, Jamie Ramos, Executive Director and John Ream, Lodge Exalted Ruler
Van Wert Elks Lodge 1197, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks recently donated $1,750.00 to the Haven of Hope Homeless Shelter of Van Wert County to assist them with their ongoing program to provide shelter to homeless men. The monies are from a Gratitude Grant the lodge received from the Elks National Foundation.
The Elks National Foundation is a perpetual trust fund established in 1928 by the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. Contributions to the Foundation are made each year by over 800,000 Elks and their families and friends from more than 1800 Elks Lodges across the United States, Puerto Rico and the Philippines.
Since they have been open, they have assisted many men. Some have been able to obtain jobs, others their own apartments and some to get an automobile. Van Wert Elks Lodge is happy to be able to assist the Haven of Hope Homeless Shelter as they provide excellent care for the homeless men in our area.
Jackson #466 Uses Gratitude Grant to Boost VA Medical Center
The Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks – Jackson Lodge #466 in Jackson, Ohio proudly used their Gratitude Grant to donate $3,500.00 worth of clothing and shoes to the Chillicothe VA Medical Center clothing pantry.
This donation will help provide essential items to veterans across four different wards, ensuring those who have served our country have access to much-needed clothing and footwear.
Pictured are: VA Voluntary Service Specialist Thomas Yerian, Jackson Elks Lodge Exalted Ruler Bob Swingle, and Secretary Rod Bachtel.
We are honored to support our local veterans and give back to those who have given so much.
Van Wert #1197 Uses Gratitude Grant to Help YWCA
Pictured, left to right, accepting the check are Kimberly Laudick, YWCA Executive Director and John Ream, Lodge Exalted Ruler.
Van Wert Elks Lodge 1197, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, recently donated $1750.00 to the YWCA of Van Wert County for their women’s shelter program. The monies, provided thru the Elks National Foundation in the form of a Gratitude Grant were made possible thru the generous donations to the foundation by the members of Van Wert Elks Lodge 1197 and all Elks throughout the United States.
The Elks National Foundation is a perpetual trust fund established in 1928 by the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. Contributions to the Foundation are made each year by over 800,000 Elks and their families and friends from more than 1800 Elks Lodges across the United States, Puerto Rico and the Philippines.
With this money, Van Wert Lodge is proud to assist the YWCA to provide emergency shelter to women in the community. “The Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks have always been known for their charitable works and this is Van Wert Lodge’s way of helping our community and those who are in need” stated Michael C. Stanley, Lodge Chairman for the Elks National Foundation.
Berea Lodge Receives “Spirit of the Community” Award from Mayor
City of Berea Mayor Cyril Kleem presented the Berea Elks with the Spirit of Community Award during a public banquet on January 20th. The Lodge was recognized for our 75th anniversary, partnering with Berea Police on Drug Takeback Day, Drug Awareness Programs, Hoop Shoot, and funding the Library’s Story Walk Project amongst other community events.
Numerous members from the lodge were in attendance to receive the award.
Berea #1815 Throw Darts for a Cause
On January 10, 2026, Berea Lodge #1815 hosted a Doubles Dart Tournament to benefit the Greater Cleveland Peace Officers Memorial Society (GCPOMS) a non-profit charity, whose mission is to honor peace officers who have made the supreme sacrifice in the performance of service to their communities and the nation, especially those from the Greater Cleveland area. Eighteen teams from law enforcement, and members from Berea Lodge #1815, Willoughby-Cleveland Lodge #18, and Lakewood Lodge #1350 competed for top awards, raising a total of $1,983.90 for the fund. Event winners were: 1st Place: Fuzzy Foland and Duane Gibson (Lakewood/Berea Mixed Team); 2nd Place: Mathew Cavanaugh and Dave Wagner (Cleveland PD Team 1); and 3rd Place: Frankie Cruz and Drian Lozada (Cleveland PD Team 3). This is the event’s fifth year, which has raised a total of $9,503.90 to honor those in law enforcement who have made the supreme sacrifice. Based upon the collective positive responses this will continue to be an annual event at the Berea Lodge #1815 in connection with Law Enforcement Appreciation Day, which occurs each year on January 9th. Next year’s dart tournament will likely be an invitational format.
Lima #54 Recognizes Three Eagle Scouts
On February 1, 2026, the Lima Elks Lodge #54 recognized Kaige Beining, Landon Calvelage and Brody Warnecke during their Eagle Scout Court of Honor.
The awards consisted of The American flag and the Eagle Scout Certificate framed for hanging. For his Eagle Scout project, Kraig resided the lawn mower shed at the American Legion. For his Eagle Scout project, Landon installed new landscaping at the church. Brody built shelves at the Freedom Square for his Eagle Scout project.
Congratulations to Kraig, Landon and Brody on their many achievements.
Ashland #1360 Awards Fly the Flag Certificates
Ashland lodge 1360 Americanism Chairman Kelly Purvis and ER Chad Dickinson presented certificates to member Keith Boales of Boales Insurance and the Ashland Public Library for properly “Flying the Flag”
Norwalk Elks #730 PER Denise Reilly Marches in 2026 Rose Parade
The motto of the America's Band Director's group speaks volumes. "We teach music. We teach life." PER Denise Reilly, retired Edison High School band director, participated in the 137th Rose Parade on New Year's Day. The Michael D. Sewell Memorial Foundation's float titled, "Banding Together" honors music educators throughout the county. In addition to marching in the parade, Reilly performed a halftime show at the Bandfest and the Floatfest while staying in Pasadena. Several Elks members nationwide joined Reilly in this lifetime experience. The Sewell Foundation mission fits in perfect harmony with the pillars of the Elks fraternal organization. Giving of one's time and service to support charity, brotherly love, justice, and fidelity lives in Denise Reilly's heart forever. Enjoy the pictures of Elks USA 2026 award winning float, "Celebrate Elkdom".
Lima #54 Recognizes Local Eagle Scouts
On January 19, 2026, the Lima Elks Lodge #54 recognized Derrick DeMuth, Andrew Ormsby, Gavyn Pester, Izaak Pester, William Schroeder, Tucker Sunderhaus, Colt Warnimont, Gage Wilhelm and Brayden Wolke of BSA Troop #224 during their Eagle Scout Court of Honor.
The awards consisted of the American flag and the Eagle Scout Certificate framed for hanging along with the Grand Exalted Ruler’s Congratulatory Letter, Certificate of Merit and Elks/Scouting pin.
Congratulations to these young men on their many achievements.
Ashtabula Elks #208 Helping our community
Elbert and Shirley Hanna, Denise RIchards, Bill Dingledine
Due to the hard work of our volunteers and the great group of our members we have here at the club. We were able to help 3 less fortunate families enjoy a very Merry Christmas and donate many household goods and clothing to Lighthouse Harvest and the local Women’s shelter. In addition to what everyone donated, we secured a grant and split it between two of the organizations.
Norwalk #730 Funds Eagle Scout Project
Exalted Ruler John Moslener, Weston Gfell, PER Denise Reilly
The Norwalk Elks Lodge #730 recently donated money to a local student who is trying to earn his Eagle Scout Merit Award. For his major community service project, Weston Gfell, a junior at Edison High School, plans to rebuild a dilapidated walking trail bridge and replace the floor boards on another walking trail bridge at Veteran's Memorial Lake Park in Norwalk. This project will begin this spring and, if all goes well, conclude in early summer. Last month, Weston visited the Norwalk Elks to give a PowerPoint presentation on his Eagle Scout project. His paperwork, plans for design, and amount of material needed to complete this project were discussed with the officers of the Elks at a lodge meeting. Becky Parcher, the lodge's youth activities chairperson, said the Elks were impressed and presented Weston with a $900 check to buy supplies. Weston is the son of Brooke and Jamie Gfell of Norwalk, and a member of Troop 208 Norwalk in the Lake Erie Council. His older brother, Everett, oversaw a trail rehab project at Veteran's Memorial Lake Park for his community service project in 2024. He achieved the rank of Eagle Scout that summer. Rob Whitman is the leader of Troop 208, and Paul Hiszem is the leader of the Lake Erie Council. The troop's next meeting is Monday, Jan. 26 in the Fellowship Hall at St. Peter Lutheran Church in Norwalk. The Elks are a community service organization that also supports youth activities. Those looking for funding for a Gold Star or Eagle Scout Award can contact the Elks.