Welcome to the Connecticut Elks Association website.  Our Association is comprised of 34 local lodges with a combined membership of over 21,900 proud and dedicated Elks.  17 of our 34 Lodges were chartered over100 years ago and have been providing benevolent and charitable service to Elkdom, their communities and the state since their institution.

Connecticut has the honor and distinction of being the birthplace of two Grand Lodge programs.  The first is the Elks National Foundation, which was introduced by the endorsed candidate for Grand Exalted Ruler, John F. Malley, while attending a dinner at Meriden Lodge #35, in February of 1927.  The following year the candidates attending the Grand Lodge Convention assembled in Miami, voted to establish the foundation.

The seconded program is the Elks “Soccer Shoot-Out”.  This program was conceived and developed by Past Grand Esteemed Loyal Knight, Francis A. Joyce, PSDGER.  Fran is a member of New Britain Lodge #957, with 56 years of distinguished service to his Lodge, the State Association and the Grand Lodge.

The Lodges within our state are very active in the programs of the Grand Lodge, and through the efforts of many dedicated State, District and local Lodge Chairpersons, we have been able to enjoy continuing success in the Grand Lodge programs.  Our Drug Awareness program has been recognized by the Grand Lodge as one of the best within our Order.  We are proud of the fact that Lt. Kevin Samperi of the Hamden Police Dept. received the National Enrique Camarena award for his efforts in fighting drug abuse.  We have a National Essay Award recipient, William M., who was sponsored by New Haven Lodge and our State Poster contest winner, Gabrielle L., sponsored by Fairfield Lodge will have her poster included in the next edition of the Drug Awareness comic book.

The Connecticut Elks have once again exceeded the Grand Exalted Ruler’s goal in donations to the Elks National Foundation.  This is a trend that has been going on for the past several years and I expect it to continue for many years to come.  The Elks of Connecticut are very generous, and sensitive to the needs of our fellow residents.  Because of the generosity of our members and private donors, the returns we get back from the Foundation enable many of our programs such as scholarships, veteran’s services and youth programs to grow in scope.

Our State Major Project, “Connecticut Safe Kids Program”, run in conjunction with the Connecticut Children’s Medical Center, provides items for helping kids prevent injuries.  Several years ago we shifted our focus from the treatment of injuries to the prevention of them.  By supplying items such as smoke and CO2 detectors, child car seats, flotation devices for swimming, bicycle helmets and pads and an assortment of safety related literature, the number of injuries that have been prevented, far exceed the number of treatments.  Each year the Connecticut Elks Association donates $100,000.00 to fund this program.  All items are given to families that are in need, at no cost to them.  What a great program!  The Elks of Connecticut have also made a one-time donation of $250,000.00, to help fund renovations to the Emergency Room waiting area at the hospital, where our Association’s name is prominently displayed for all to see.  We have enjoyed a 56-year relationship with the hospital, which has been beneficial to both the hospital and the Elks.

For the past 7 years, we have been the major sponsor of the Connecticut Special Olympics Fall Classic.  Our sponsorship of the volleyball venue has enabled these special Olympians the opportunity to spend 2 days in November competing in their chosen sport.  For the Elk volunteers who help conduct these events, it is a rewarding experience that keeps them coming back year after year.  Many lasting friendships have been developed among the Elks and these special athletes, and the competitiveness and sportsmanship is second to none.

These are just a few of the programs that the Elks of Connecticut are involved in, Hoop Shoot, Soccer Shoot, Veterans, Scouting, Youth Activities and many more, too numerous to mention, are conducted by our Lodges.  I invite you and encourage you to become involved with one or more of our programs.  I am certain there is a program available that you would like to become part of, or maybe you have an idea for a new one.  If you are interested, you can obtain information by contacting one of the State, District or local Lodge Chairperson’s. 

Connecticut may be a small state, but our members are very big on benevolence, commitment and involvement.  This makes our Association one of the greatest in the nation.  It is my honor and privilege to serve as the president of the Connecticut Elk’s Association.

The Elks of Connecticut continue to practice and demonstrate the motto of our order,

“Elks Care, Elks Share” 

This Page Last Updated: July 29, 2008