Founded February 16, 1868, The Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks
of the United States of America, is a nonprofit fraternal organization
dedicated to charitable works.  From its meager beginnings, it has
grown to be the largest fraternal organization in our nation, boasting
over 2,000 Lodges made up of well over one and a quarter million
members.

The B.P.O. Elks is comprised of patriotic Americans who believe in
God, want to be an active force for good in their community, be better
citizens, and enjoy the good fellowship of enthusiastic, successful
men.  The Order of Elks questions no man's religion, nor bars him
because of race or creed.  It is not concerned with political
affiliations. It is nondenominational.

Elks stage year-round shows and entertainments for disabled veterans
in every V.A. hospital in the country.  Elks donated the first V.A.
hospital to the U.S. Government in Boston. In 1907, the Elks pioneered
the observance of June 14 as Flag Day, the anniversary of Old Glory's
birth of 1777.

Since its' inception, Elks have contributed more that $333 million
dollars for charitable, welfare and patriotic programs. The Elks are
second only to the U.S. Government in the amount of money it provides
for scholarships each year. Elks scholarships are measured in the
millions of dollars annually.  They sponsor many youth groups such as
youth sports, scouting and 4-H Clubs, D.A.R.E. programs, summer camps,
adopt-a-school, Hoop Shoot, etc.

The B.P.O.E. does not compete with other civic organizations. To the
contrary, the Elks recognize the philanthropic efforts of many other
civic and community organizations, assisting those organizations when
and where possible.

The B.P.O.E. has its' own national magazine and almost every lodge
publishes a monthly news bulletin for its' members. The Grand Lodge
national headquarters of the B.P.O.E. are located at 2750 N. Lakeview
Avenue, Chicago, Illinois 60614-1889, phone (213)477-2750. A book
entitled History of the Elks can be purchased from the Grand Lodge.
Check your local phone book for a lodge near you to obtain further
information or e-mail ElksOnline@aol.com.

The principles of the B.P.O.E. are:
       Charity, Justice, Brotherly Love and Fidelity.

The motto of the B.P.O.E. is:
      The faults of our brothers we write upon the sand, their virtues
upon the tablets of love and memory.

The B.P.O.E. is based upon the Golden Rule:
       To do unto others as you would they should do unto you.

[Source: ElksOnline@aol.com (Joe Orawczyk)]