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# Elks lend helping hoof to handicapped By Daily Press staff
- URL: https://www.smdp.com/elks-lend-helping-hoof-to-handicapped-by-daily-press-staff/
- Published: 2004-10-09T15:00:00.000Z
- Updated: 2026-10-23T05:16:25.000Z
- Author: Guest Author
- Tags: Education, Santa Monica, #archive-import

The Santa Monica Elks contributed $17,007 — about $56.50 for each member — toward handicapped programs for children.

The Santa Monica Elks held what’s called a “Major Project Theme Dinner” last week. Past Exalted Ruler Ray Beers said the major project is a program to help handicapped children. The program started in 1950 with the formation of a committee to analyze the needs of handicapped children in remote areas and find a solution.

In 1951, two physical therapists were hired and were furnished with two station wagons. In 1965, pre-school vision testing and speech therapy were added. In 1981, the first college scholarships for handicapped children were issued.

More than $1 million was given in scholarships in 1974\. For more information, Call Curt Curtiss (310) 645-8989.

*Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on October 9, 2004.* [Read the original PDF.](https://s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/smdp%5Fbackissues/100904.pdf?ref=smdp.com)