Grand Exalted Ruler Douglas A. Schiefer
Message from the GER
Share charity and compassion this holiday season
Merry Christmas! Let’s focus on the reason for the season: Remember to be kind and compassionate to one another as you attend social events at your Lodges. It must be a time when we can be the best of who we are. At the end of the day, it’s truly about putting our hearts toward enjoying family, friends, and service to others.
The Elks Memorial Service is to be held on the first Sunday of December. It is an occasion to honor those Elks who have passed away. It’s a time to remember the honorable way these Elks have served our Order. The great heart of Elkdom in our Eleven O’Clock Toast symbolizes how we feel about our departed Members.
Think of ways to serve your community by donating presents to underprivileged children and families and giving veterans a gift or holiday card. Giving is always better than receiving. Be sure to spread the word of your charitable works through your membership. I’m confident you’ll receive a positive response and many helping hands.
In 2019 GER Michael T. Luhr issued a challenge to Elks Members to raise funds for the Pearl Harbor National Memorial in Hawaii. There is no better way to honor the service and dedication of Americans, whose profound contributions to our nation should never be forgotten, so that generations to come will know and appreciate the enormous sacrifice of the “Greatest Generation.”
Julia and I want to wish you a happy, joyous Christmas season. We wish your loved ones a heartfelt safe and enjoyable holiday season as you demonstrate “Elks Care—Elks Share” and show “Elkdom’s Heart For America.”
God bless our great Order and our troops, and God bless America!
November begins the season of caring and sharing
The Order of the Elks has designated November as Veterans Remembrance Month, the month of Veterans Day. Every Elk should know our solemn pledge of “So long as there are veterans, the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks will never forget them.”
Veterans are our heroes!
Please find a way to honor veterans in your Lodge and in your community. Some ways to say you care would be by hosting a veterans’ dinner at your Local Lodge, distributing care packages, and attending local events that coincide with your community’s recognition of veterans. Remember, our organization led the way in 1917 to fund and later establish the first veterans’ hospital.
Thank you to all the state and Lodge veterans chairpersons and the volunteers who help make our program for our veterans a priority and success.
Speaking of recognizing other important people, it’s time to make sure the youth in your local schools are getting the essay contest information they need. Their essays should be submitted for judging by December 15.
November also marks the need to be active citizens by voting in the election, always held the first Tuesday of the month during November.
Thanksgiving is the hallmark of the month, a time for families to come together and fellowship and give thanks to God. I wish you and your loved ones a blessed holiday season as you show “Elkdom’s Heart For America.”
ENF grants, programs strengthen our communities
The most important program in our Order is the Elks National Foundation. The support we provide makes the Foundation’s work possible. The goal we established for the 2024–2025 fraternal year is $5.00 per Member.
This year the Foundation has allocated $16.3 million for Lodge Community Service Grants. This grant program allows our Lodges to do more for your communities. I encourage all Lodges to seriously consider forming an ENF committee to educate themselves on the various grants to assist their communities.
Also, make use of the fundraising program through the ENF Fidelity Club. Any Member can sign up at elks.org to make the automatic recurring donations for as little as $5 per month or $15 per quarter. I encourage you to consider joining. I felt good when I joined and knew that it was an easy and efficient way to donate. This is once again a way for you to show your communities that “Elks Care — Elks Share.”
My theme “Elkdom’s Heart for America” focuses our attention on what we can do outside of the Lodge to help others. Another important program we must focus our attention on is Red Ribbon Week. This is our nation’s oldest and largest drug prevention program, held annually from October 23-31.
There are many ways to celebrate. Have your local elected officials issue a proclamation declaring Red Ribbon Week. Pass out red ribbons to your local school administrators, government officials, and members of law enforcement.When we wear a red ribbon, it means we are looking to take a stand against the horrible ramifications that drugs can have on our communities. Standing together will have a positive impact on the citizens where you live. The Elks will always lead the charge against the devastation that drugs have on families.
Again, another way to impact your community is by supporting the ENF. This foundation is the backbone of “Elks Care — Elks Share.” This year the Elks will show their generosity by donating a total of $41.6 million to make a difference in America. You make an impact, and when united with our fellow Elks across the nation, we are making a huge positive change.
By now, school is in full swing. It’s a good time to introduce the Americanism Essay Contest to your local schools. The deadline for submission is mid-December. There is complete essay information on the Elks website in the GL Fraternal Committee section under Forms and Contests.
It’s time to let our youth be able to express themselves about respecting patriotism and our country’s heritage. These essay-winning students should be recognized by your Local Lodge. Hold an event for them and give these students recognition certificates to administer to the schools. I am always amazed at the wisdom and knowledge that students can express. All Americans would benefit from reading these essays.
God bless you and God bless America.