Currently
our lodge consists of approximately 290 members. We were chartered in April
1959. We built our current lodge building in 1964.
Our membership consists of people mostly from the Somerset County area. We are a family
orientated organization.
Our prime objective is to raise money to help
Handicapped children and their families. We achieve this goal by our fundraising
activities such as hosting bingo games, Buffet Breakfasts, our Annual Charity Ball,
our Annual Clam Bake in September, selling Christmas Trees,
Entertainment books and Friday night dinners. Plus many other
fundraising events.
For the years 1997 through 1999, we have
been recognized by the New Jersey State Elks Association as State Champions for National
Foundation per capita pledges. These monies come as donations from our members and
through fund raising events. We are looking to repeat again in 2001!
In 1999, the Manville
Hillsborough Elks were 3rd overall in the nation in donations for lodges 300 members and
under. We placed 4th overall - out of 2600 lodges.
The Elks National Foundation is a fund which
was started by the Grand Lodge in the early 1900's with an initial deposit of one million
dollars. Today, that original one million remains and the fund is depleted by the
interest and donations only. Last year National Foundation awarded over 6.2 million
dollars in scholarships and aid to families of Elk members. To learn more about the
Elks and the Elks National Foundation, see our Grand Lodge Web Site at http://www.elks.org
