Elks-April2016-web

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Fulfilling our mission of helping those in need, the Elks recently purchased, assembled, and delivered enough food to to feed 780 Bismarck- Mandan area  grade  school, middle school, and high school students for one weekend in March.

The effort is part of the MSA United Wa y’s “Backpack” program, a bi-weekly program designed to give weekend meals to the  estimated 27% of area students who qualify for free or reduced lunches. If it weren’t for this program, many of these students would go hungry over the weekend.

The Elks donated $2,000 and roughly 60-man hours to the program. Thank you to Paul Frank & Andrea Edstrom-Frank, Chad Gasser, Randy & Paula  Amelsberg, Dennis Hensel, Michael & Lynn Lindblom, Rich & Char Skjonsby, Larry  & Phyllis Larson, Jeff & Robin Carlson, and Steve Vaughan for assembling the bags. Big thanks also to Michael Lindblom, Steve Vaughan, Chad Gasser, Jeff Carlson (2 routes), Rod & Jake Bakken, Rick & Colby DeBolt, and Keith Ulmer & John Lundby for delivering to 8 routes in Bismarck- Mandan.

This year’s car raffle was another huge success.  We would like to thank all the people who purchased tickets, volunteered countless hours and our sponsors: MVP, Inc., Expressway Inn & Suites, Herbergers, Scheels Sports, New Image Tanning, Butcher Block Meats, Dan’s Supermarket, Knowles Jewelry, Pacific Sound & Video, Bismarck Parks & Rec, Prairie West Golf Course and Bismarck-Mandan Elks Lodge.

I will never forget what I felt after hearing the words – written by a child and read by an adult. It was at that point where I felt the true meaning of being an Elk.

Throughout the years, I have seen the good that can come out of volunteerism. But I don’t think I ever really “felt” the good until I heard the words – written by a child and read by an adult.

The words were in the form of a letter, written by a female in her pre-teens. In it, she described a feeling of isolation, of being singled-out as “different” and not being able to participate in the normal activities of other kids her age.  But the ending is what really hit me.  At that point, she described the intense positive emotions she felt as a result of being included as part of a fun group of “like” kids and now being able to fully participate in all activities.

The letter was written by a camper who had just returned home from week at Elks Camp Grassick. It was read at a state Elks meeting by Camp Director Dan Mimnaugh.  And there wasn’t a dry eye in the place!

Folks, if you’re looking for a reason to renew your membership or to get someone to join the Elks, that girl is your reason. You could say she is the “why” of our existence.  She is our cause, our purpose, and our belief.

In his book Start with Why, Author Simon Sinek suggests that no matter what business you’re in or organization to which you belong, it is critical for paid and volunteer team members to always start with – and deeply remember – the “why” as opposed to the “what.”

For the Elks, the “what” are the goods and services we provide; TR Bar, the 1199 Lounge, the dining room, gaming, workout facilities and even your membership dues. However, these are but vehicles to help directly earn money or otherwise support the “why.”

The “why” are the children and adults benefitting from programs like Camp Grassick, the Hoop Shoot, Children’s Christmas Party, and Most Valuable Student Scholarships, as well as the many area charities to which your Social and Community Welfare dollars are donated.

As Sinek says, “Remember, people don’t buy ‘what’ you do, they buy ‘why’ you do it!

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Elks-March2016-web

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