If you are looking for purpose, or an antidote to loneliness, join us! I am a third-generation Elk

My father and my grandfathers were members of the Benevolent and Protective Order of the Elks (BPOE). My father sponsored me when I joined in 2022. I became a member because of my happy memories at the Elks, as well as for the community and charitable opportunities. I also found a wonderful multi-generational bonus family and lifelong friends.

This year marks the 158th anniversary of the Elks, which was established in 1868 as a social club for actors in New York City. When the death of a member left his wife and children without income, the club took up additional service roles, rituals, and became “The Elks”. Today, we are a major fraternal, charitable, and service order with nearly 800,000 members and close to 1,800 lodges nationwide.

Nationwide, Elks Lodges award $5 million annually in scholarships. Through the Elks Community Investment Program, the Order will deliver $17.6 million in grants to strengthen neighborhoods, support seniors, fight hunger, and improve community safety. In 2024, Elks volunteers generated more than $531 million in charitable impact, reflecting the strength of a mission that never stops moving.

The Beaverton Lodge (#1989) has actively supported our community, our state, and our nation since 1955. We give out Christmas Baskets to families each December. Every Memorial Day weekend, our members join other Oregon Elks to get Camp Meadowood Springs Speech and Hearing Camp ready for the summer season. As chairman of the Honor Flight Fundraising Committee, I’m proud to have helped raise $3,080 in our lodge for the Honor Flight of Northwest Oregon to send veterans to Washington DC.

In Oregon, Elks have been involved with the OHSU School of Medicine since 1949 – establishing the Elks Children’s Eye Clinic and contributing over $25 million. We contribute more than $2,000,000 annually, work with 18,000 children each year, and volunteer thousands of hours at the Casey Eye Institute.

If you are looking for purpose or need an antidote to loneliness, we invite you to join us.

By Heather Waisanen.

To learn more or to contact us about membership visit www.beavertonelks.org .