The month of October was one for the record books, although one that we could have done without. October was a time when we all rolled up our sleeves and showed what is possible when we live our motto, “Elks Care, Elks Share.” We started by creating a collection after our secretary Karen Schumann reached out with a list of items that were needed, we got it published on Facebook and our website with the help of TC and Stewart, and then you all reached out with overwhelming support to our friends in the Mountains. Now that we have it, what do we do with it all? With a collaboration from the Greensboro Elks Lodge, we (Gunny, Karen, Stewart, Nikki and I) took all the donations to Greensboro and loaded them into 26’ trucks headed for the airport in Statesville where they would be airlifted to those in need. We continued to collect donations, and we made another trip to Greensboro to deliver a second load of donations. Greensboro Elks Lodge has delivered TEN 26’ truckloads of donations to our neighbors in the west. We were just one Lodge out of 32 in the state that made sure that those in trouble got the supplies that they so desperately need. We were fortunate even to represent our Lodge at the fall conference and we were able to hear all the good things done by all the Lodges throughout the state. You should all be very proud to be part of such a great organization. We didn’t stop there… fast forward 2 weeks from then to Elkapalooza.

On October 19th, a collection of 6 different bands played at our Lodge. There was a bake sale, BBQ, a silent auction, and t-shirts made on the spot. The fact that this event could be put into place and executed within a couple of weeks, shows what can be done when people who care get together to support such a worthwhile cause. A huge thank-you goes out to Bob DeLuca for organizing, coordinating, and calling in favors. There were so many people that volunteered to make this event the success that it was. Whether you attended, donated, or volunteered, all your efforts were greatly appreciated. At the darkest moments of the lives of those affected by the storm, our efforts started to give them hope that eventually everything will be OK.

Finally, November is a time to remember our Veterans. “So long as there are veterans, the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks will never forget them.” Throughout the course of American history, courageous men and women have taken up arms to secure, defend, and maintain the core principals upon which our Nation’s freedoms depend. Your bravery and sacrifice to a grateful nation will never be forgotten. May this day be forever rooted in our hearts as a day to respect and honor the great, brave patriots who gave a part or all their lives to this nation. To all our members who are Veterans, Thank you for your service.

I hope to see you around the Lodge sometime soon.

Please be sure to check out all of our Upcoming Events on the weekly e-blast and website.

Upcoming Events – hpelks.com/upcoming
E-blast Sign Up – hpelks.com/subscribe
Social Media – hpelks.com/social
Event Calendar – hpelks.com/calendar

Congratulations to Bob DeLuca for being named our October Elk of the Month.

In Elkdom,
Kevin Randall
Exalted Ruler