Van Wert Elks Hosts DARE Graduation Party

Van Wert Elks Lodge #1197 again assisted the Van Wert City/County D.A.R.E. program with their annual DARE graduation party held on Friday evening, May 11, 2018 at the YMCA.   Approximately 300 boys and girls from Van Wert County Schools converged on the local YMCA to enjoy a fun filled evening.   The students hand the opportunity to play basketball, swim, dance and visit and socialize with their classmates.

Members of Van Wert Elks Lodge were busy grilling hamburgers and hotdogs to feed the hungry boys and girls.  The kids also enjoyed ice cream at the end.  The local Elks Lodge provides the food and drinks for the local event each year and prepares the food for the hungry youngsters.   The monies are made available to the local lodge from the Elks National Foundation in the form of a Promise Grant.   These grants are available to the local lodges that wish to sponsor any type of drug and alcohol free event in the community.   The Elks are proud to be able to assist with this great event for the kids.