Benevolence

Benevolence beneath the Mogollon Rim

Scholarship News ~ Notes of Appreciation

Guest Commentary ~ AEMP Announces...

SCHOLARSHIP NEWS

NOTES OF APPRECIATION

THANKS VERY, VERY MUCH

TO ALL OF OUR LODGE VOLUNTEERS!

GUEST COMMENTARY

Submitted by: Terry Lowman, Chairman
House Committee

This year began my 5th year as a member of the Elks, and I am very proud to belong to such a vital, strong, and worthwhile organization in our community. But it is only as strong as its members, especially those who volunteer their time and energy to produce results for the Lodge and its activities.

So now you’re saying, “Oh, here we go again, another plug for volunteers.” You’re right, sort of. We’ll always be asking for help, as there’s always lots to be done and too few doing it. The pay is lousy, the hours are sometimes long, and there is little recognition for a job well done. But at the end of it, when the last plate is washed and put up, the chairs and tables put away, you stop and reflect on what you and your fellow volunteers have accomplished, and the fun you had in the process.

Did you feed someone who hasn’t eaten that day (Community Thanksgiving Dinner), gotten a child a warm coat and clothes for the winter (Children’s Shopping Spree), stirred the love and patriotic feelings for our country and its flag (Flag Day Ceremony), or let our veterans know how much they are appreciated (Veterans Day Dinner)?

Those are just a small sample of where volunteers are needed; there are many others on any given day. Not only will you get a sense of accomplishment, but your camaraderie with your fellow Lodge members increases. I have met more of our members through volunteering for projects than I ever would have met at the monthly meetings. We have fun, laugh, joke, and kid around as we work on and complete each project. As we all know, laughter is some of the best medicine the doctors can’t prescribe. I’m reminded of the old proverb “I can’t change the world, just my little piece of it.” How’s your little piece been lately? Join us, get involved, and volunteer your talents wherever you can. You may be surprised at the results WE can create.

AEMP Announces...
by Linda Lewandowski
Director, Arizona Elks Major Projects

At long last, the grand prize for the 2010 AEMP Mid-Year Raffle has been identified! It is an American Icon. It is a gorgeous [drum roll please] Torch Red 2010 Ford Mustang Coupe V6! Chances are that at some point, most of us have dreamed of cruising around in a Mustang, wowing our friends. Being cool!Well, here’s a chance to make that dream come true and help support our quest to improve the lives of children. At just $5 per ticket (or 3 tickets for $10), making that dream come true is well within most budgets.

By the time you read this announcement, your lodge should have posters up and tickets available for sale. You don’t want to miss out on this beautiful and powerful dream car. So, if you don’t see a poster or know where to buy your tickets, please ask your Exalted Ruler or Esteemed Leading Knight. Or, call the AEMP office at 888-808-8627.

Brothers and Sisters, start your engines! OK, maybe that’s a little premature. Get your tickets now to avoid the rush.