Special to The Flash
May 22, 2024
The Stephenville Elks Lodge #2834 celebrated their 20th Anniversary on Saturday, May 18, at the Lodge building on Hyman Street. The event was attended by several District and State officials, some who were involved in the origination of the Lodge, according to Lodge President Crystal Whitefield.
The Lodge was established in 2004 and a few years later the Lodge acquired their current home building. Through several funding sources, the Elks Lodge has been able to make significant contributions to individuals and organizations in the area, says Larry Stanford, Lodge Secretary.
Through Texas Elks Children’s Services, Inc. (TECSI), the Lodge has access to grants for special needs children. Over the years, several adaptive and assisting devices have been given to local children. These include specialized hearing aids, cranial helmets, and wheelchairs, and have assisted other Lodges in purchasing two adaptive vans.
The Elks National Foundation makes as much as $10,000 in grants available every year and the Lodge has received approval to fund protective lighting equipment for fire departments, assisted in funding for Faith Field Park when it was originally started community table supper, pantries, catered meal for veterans, and has established and continued a “fishing day” for special needs kids at Coppers Creek Park at Lake Proctor.
Stanford estimates the impact on the Stephenville area community could be as much as $200,000 in their 20-year existence.
Photos by DAVID SWEARINGEN
Be the first to comment