Its 560 members act as the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, or BPOE.
Brian Fuller, the lodge’s elected leader, known as the Exalted Ruler, said the Grapevine lodge takes the mission in its title as a benevolent group “seriously.”
“Charity is the cornerstone of our organization,” Fuller said.
In the last year, Fuller said the lodge raised over $125,000 for various charitable efforts. Some funds supported the Elks’ veteran services and its scholarship program. About $75,000 went toward the Elks’ state project called Texas Elks Camp. Through the project, the Elks gives nearly 350 children with special needs the opportunity to attend summer camp.
“We’re looking for any way ... to help local kids,” Fuller said. “That’s what we’re looking for.”
The lodge holds a drug awareness program and collects items for welcome home kits to help veterans transition into housing. It also hosts the Elks National Hoop Shoot, which is a free-throw contest for children.
Elks member Joe Young joined the lodge last year and said it has been great to see the community’s reaction to the Elks’ programs.
“When you see a smile on someone’s face—that says it all,” Young said. “You can’t match that.”
Beyond raising thousands of dollars for charities, the Elks are a fraternal organization, Fuller said. The lodge hosts Christmas parties, Sunday football watch parties and other weekly events.
In 1995, the Elks Lodge amended its constitution at a national level and allowed women to join.
“We’re a family,” Lodge Secretary Marcus McCrary said.
The Grapevine Elks Lodge is open daily to members. Annual membership dues are $111.50.
The fraternity among Elks members goes beyond the Grapevine lodge. Fuller said members can visit any lodge in the U.S. and be greeted by other Elks.
“As soon as you walk into a lodge in Hoboken, New Jersey, there are six guys at the door, [and] guess what? We’re all Elks, [and] we can start a conversation,” Fuller said. “That’s one of the really cool aspects of being an Elk.”
Upcoming events
The Grapevine Elks Lodge will host the 22nd annual Memorial Golf Tournament with proceeds going toward college scholarships.
When: Registration begins at noon Oct. 10.
Where: Bear Creek Golf Club, 3500 Bear Creek Court, Dallas
Entry Fee: $150 per player, $600 per team (due Oct. 1), $175 per player (Oct. 2-10)
For more information: https://grapevineelkscharities.org
Casino Royale Night includes hors d’oeuvres, beer, wine, cocktails, a silent auction, DJ music and more.
When: 7 p.m. Oct. 8
Where: 909 Bushong Road, Grapevine
Entry fee: free for golfers registered in Oct. 10 tournament, $25 for others
Grapevine Elks Lodge, 909 Bushong Road, Grapevine. www.grapevineelks.org. Meetings are at 7 p.m. on the second and fourth Monday of each month.
