LODGE #823 OF THE BENEVOLENT AND PROTECTIVE ORDER OF ELKS of VANCOUVER, WA USA

Since 1868, Elks have been serving our communities, our states and our country.

Founded in 1902, the Vancouver Elks Lodge #823 celebrated its centennial birthday on December 20, 2002. The 830-member Lodge is one of 2,100 Lodges nationwide that forms the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks of the U.S.A, with a membership of just under one million members. Their charitable arm is the Elks National Foundation.

The Vancouver Elks Lodge is also one of 40 Lodges statewide that forms the Washington State Elks Association with membership totaling over 38,000 members. Their charitable arm is the Washington State Elks Therapy Program.

The Elks are responsible for starting several national and statewide programs:

• First ever Veterans loans in 1918.
• Initiated funding and built a wing for the Seattle Children's Hospital in 1928.
• Starting Flag Day in 1911, which was recognized by Harry Truman (an Elk) who made it an official day of recognition in 1949.
• The Washington State Elks Therapy Program for children was started 48 years ago and is supported by all the 48 Lodges in the state. 86% of all funds go toward paying for free quality physical therapy for children. Therapy is performed by licensed physical and occupational therapists and patients are selected based on medical condition, age, family locale and availability of resources.
• Started the nation's first Youth in Government program 20 years ago.
• Started the first D.A.R.E. program in 1986 at its national convention.
• Legacy Fund, which provides scholarships to children of deceased Elks.
• Donated over $3.3 milliom in scholarships in 2001.

The mission of the Vancouver Elks Lodge is to promote and foster charity, justice, brotherly love, fidelity and patriotism by contributing to the local community, assisting those in need, supporting our veterans, and promoting patriotism.