Today we’d like to introduce you to Stacie Schlogel.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
The Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks (BPOE) is a non-profit organization that stands on the following virtues: Charity, Justice, Brotherly Love and Fidelity. We were founded in 1867 and were known as the Jolly Corks,
The founding members were all actors and entertainers. As the membership grew, some were more community-focused. In 1868, the name formally changed to The Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. The elk was selected because of its timidity, it being native to the United States of America, but will defend its own to the end; therefore embodying the cardinal virtues, Charity, Justice, Brotherly Love and Fidelity.
Our charitable focuses are our military and our children. The BPOE built many military hospitals in France during World War I. Seeing our soldiers coming home with nowhere to heal, we built the first VA hospital in Ohio. Today, we have many programs for our veterans, to include welcome home kits, the leather program, and camps for them twice a year. We also established Flag Day.
For our children, we have many programs. We have our Hoop Shoot contest, which is a free throw contest, we have soccer shoot, which is a contest that has two different levels depending on the participants age, and an amazing Drug Awareness Program. We also give scholarships to high school seniors totaling over one hundred thousand dollars on a national basis. These scholarships are awarded to students attending a four year university. There are many other scholarships that are for vocational schools and medical school.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I guess our biggest obstacle would be getting our membership up and getting the volunteers that are needed to do our work.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
We are a non-profit organization that focuses on charity, justice, brotherly love and fidelity. We are community service based. We also have a very special place in our hearts for patriotism, youth programs and veterans programs. We also have a breakfast every third Saturday of the month, This is free to veterans and first responders.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://elks.org/lodges/home.cfm?lodgenumber=1229
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SeguinElks1229
