By Daily Press staff
At a recent meeting of the Santa Monica Elks, it was announced that Santa Monica was second to Westchester in per capita donations to the Elks National Foundation (ENF).
When Elk member Don Hopp heard this he said, “This is unacceptable and I will match any floor donations up to $500.” Two of his good buddies immediately waved $100 bills. Hopp’s response, “I see that I have to change my offer. I will match up to $1,000.” There was $1,059 collected from the floor, so Hopp wrote a check for $1,000.
The Elks National Foundation s the major charity function of the Elks. The money donated is never spent, only the earned interests, officials said. ENF gives grants to individual lodges to assist their Veterans Program, which can include hosting a barbecue for hospitalized veterans, as well as funding special rehabilitation programs, buying books, clothes, or other things veterans might appreciate. ENF sponsors youth programs such as “Hoop Shoot,” “Soccer Shoot,” and :Drug Awareness.” ENF also contributes millions of dollars each year in college and vocational School scholarships. They also make grants to state organizations that fund aid for handicapped children, youth camps, cancer research and children’s hospitals.
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on March 16, 2005. Read the original PDF.