When one of the members of the group died, leaving his wife and children destitute, the Jolly Corks decided that, in addition to fellowship, they really needed to be helping those in need. On February 16, 1868, they established the Benevolent & Protective Order of Elks (B.P.O.E.) and elected Vivian to head it.

Social functions and benefit performances were impressive for the new Order, causing a rapid increase in membership. Soon Elks traveled to other states spreading the word of brotherhood. In response to the requests from other cities to establish Lodges the Elks asked the New York State legislature for a charter authorizing the establishment of a Grand Lodge with the power to establish other Lodges anywhere in the United States. When the Grand Lodge Charter was issued; the founders received the first local charter as New York Lodge No.1 on March 10, 1871. This was just the beginning! The Elks are responsible for so many other "firsts."

For instance, on June 14, 1907 the Order held a Flag Day observance. This tradition was later declared a national holiday by President Harry S. Truman, himself a member of the Elks.

During World War I, the Elks funded and equipped the first two field hospitals in France and built a 72-room community house in Camp Sherman, Ohio and a 700-bed rehabilitation hospital in Boston, which was turned over to the War Department. They also raised money for the Salvation Army's frontline canteens.

Their loans to returning veterans for college, rehabilitation and vocational education were the predecessors for the GI Bill.

When World War II broke out, the Elks were the only civilian organization asked help recruit construction workers for the military. The Elks also contributed books to the Merchant Marines so their men would have something to read while on board ship.

During the Korean War, the Elks donated more than a half million pints of blood to help wounded soldiers.

When the wounded from the Vietnam War needed help, the Elks once again responded by providing funds for a recreation pavilion at the Navy Hospital on Guam. The Elks also purchased 24 air conditioning units for the wounded at TripIer Medica Center in Hawaii, so our patriots could recuperate in comfort.

Again, during "Operation Desert Storm" the Elks led the support for our fighting men and women in the Persian Gulf. The Elks undertook a letter-writing campaign to help keep up the spirits of those defenders of freedom and were among the first to welcome them home and thank them for a job well done.

The Elks have many charitable works too. The "HoopShoot", scholarships, veterans service and drug awareness just to name a few.

Each state has its own major project. These include summer camps for children with disabilities or who are financially disadvantaged; in-home treatment for people with disabilities; children's hospitals; cancer research; and providing temporary havens for abused families.

Local Lodges work to meet local needs, such as funding a food bank, supplying instruments for the high school band, or helping out the needy with food baskets at holiday time.

The Benevolent And Protective Order of Elks continue to make a difference in their community, state and country. The story of the Elks is long, our work humble, our history PROUD.

As long as there are people in need, the Elks will be there to give aid and comfort.