THE BENEVOLENT & PROTECTIVE ORDER OF ELKS
The B.P.O.E. originally started as a social club named the "Jolly Corks". The members were all entertainers. When one of the members passed away and left his widow and children without much money, the members decided their organization should have a purpose other than fun. With this in mind, they formed the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks in 1868. The first Lodge was in New York. The membership quickly grew. In addition to aiding members in distress, the Elks today raise money for children with disabilities, give college scholarships, have youth projects and recreational programs for our hospitalized veterans. With a grant of $100,000, The Elks National Foundation was established in 1928. Today the Foundation has a market value of more than $350 million. It is a public non-profit, tax exempt corporation. It is the charitable arm of the Elks and has a three-fold purpose: to build a better future for our youth through scholarships; to honor our hospitalized veterans; to help the state associations accomplish their charitable objectives. Since its inception in 1928, the Foundation has received more than $142 million in contributions from Elks and their families.