As a part of the continued series reviewing the Rush County Community Foundation’s “designated endowment” funds, we’ll be taking a weekly look at the Rush County nonprofit organizations that have funds that support their mission and work held at RCCF.  This week’s installment focuses on the BPOE Rushville Lodge #1307.

The Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks Rushville Lodge #1307, or “the Elks”, as most know it, is a wonderful non-profit agency that serves our community.  The Elks is more than a building on the corner of Perkins and Third streets:  it’s an organization comprised of community-minded members that support our community and nation through charitable initiatives.

The Elks Lodge #1307 has approximately 300 members.  These members are sponsored by another member and are selected based on community standing and citizenship.  Those involved with the Elks benefit from volunteerism, networking with other community-minded individuals, camaraderie between members, and access to a nice facility within Rushville.

The organization focuses on four priorities through established programs, supporting scholarships, Clothe-A-Child, veterans, and the American Cancer Society.  Members elect to contribute donations to these priorities and serve to conduct activities for these focus areas.  Each year, the Elks hosts an event for the Veterans Association to recognize and honor the veterans that have served (and continue to serve) from our community.  The national Elks organization conducts a variety of activities and fundraising for the American Cancer Society, in which the local Elks organization also contributes.  In addition, the Rushville Elks Lodge has supported cancer-related issues in Rush County through contributions to Brian’s Cause.

The Rushville Elks Lodge #1307 is a strong supporter of youth in our community.  The Elks Lodge gives four scholarships annually:  three 4-year scholarships benefit local students continuing their education in pursuit of a Bachelor’s Degree, while one scholarship is available for students attending a trade school or short program.  Clothe-A-Child is perhaps the organization’s most notable initiative, providing for hundreds of local families at Christmastime.  In 2015, $11,000 was given to Rush County families with school-aged children to provide necessities and funds for Christmas gifts.  This program has become a community-wide program, gaining involvement from local donations, pledges from members, and auction support to raise funds essential to making the program such a success.  In addition to these “priority” projects, the Elks partners with the City of Rushville Fire Department to provide fire prevention education to youth and supports Rush County Boy Scouts by offering them opportunities to work at events and hosting a fundraiser breakfast.

The Rush County Community Foundation supports the good, charitable work of the Rushville Elks Lodge #1307 through disbursements from three established designated endowment funds.  Each year, the Gilbert E. and Phyllis C. Joyce Fund, the Donald and Mary Gray Marshall Fund, and the Rushville Lodge 1307 BPOE Fund provide distributions

To learn more about the funds that support the BPOE Rushville Lodge #1307, visit our website www.rushcountyfoundation.org, our office at 117 N. Main St., or give us a call at (765) 938-1177.