Members of the Elks Lodge No. 2670 celebrated their silver anniversary Nov. 1 with a dinner and dance at Genoa Lakes.
Over the past 25 years, the local Elks have donated over half a million dollars to our community. More than 113,000 people have participated in various activities sponsored by the club, which has logged almost 35,000 volunteer hours.
The Minden-Douglas Elks have sponsored many popular fundraising events during the past year. Some you may have participated in include the five-day carnival at Lampe Park, spaghetti feed and Christmas tree bingo at the CVIC Hall during the lighting of the gazebo in Minden Park, crab feed, concession stand at each Concert in the Park, and their monthly taco nights, pancake breakfasts and birthday dinners.
Their donations to our community this past year are remarkable. They provided the Christmas trees at the spaghetti feed bingo and created Christmas baskets for local needy residents. Fifth- and sixth-grade students earned cash prizes for writing patriotic essays, 550 third-graders received free dictionaries and three Douglas High seniors earned scholarships. Wheelchairs, walkers and medical aid were provided for folks in need. Additional monies were donated to Project Santa Claus, Project School Days, the Kids Fishing Derby, Student of Month/Year Programs, the basketball program through the Douglas County Parks & Recreation Department, Cub Scouts, girls' soccer, Future Farmers, Explorer Boy Scouts and the Boys & Girls Club of Carson Valley.
Youth in our community are integral to the Elks' vision. The annual Hoop Shoot free throw contest and Soccer Shoot are always well attended and provide paid state and national trips for the winners. Their drug awareness program includes literature handouts, coloring books and bookmarks. The Elks also donate to the Nevada State Elks Major Project called Project Safe Haven, which (in conjunction with the state of Nevada) provides free lodging, food and clothing to abused children who are removed from problem homes.
Veteran's activities include visits to the Reno VA hospital with gifts, cards, clothing, cosmetic items, and companionship for the patients. Flags are provided at local cemeteries on Veterans Day.
The Elks' generosity and tireless commitment to our community have earned them the Service Club of the year award, sponsored by The Record-Courier and the Carson Valley Chamber of Commerce & Visitor's Authority. Their efforts will be recognized at a gala dinner on Saturday at Genoa Lakes.
The nonprofit Elks are always seeking new members. To obtain a new membership application, contact Elks Lodge secretary Shaaron Snead at 265-4523.
n Amy Roby can be reached at ranchosroundup@hotmail.com
