On August 12, 2023 the Hickory, NC ELKS Lodge #1654 hosted the 2nd Annual Bike/Walk-a-Thon to raise money for Past Exalted Rulers (PER) Scholarships. There were 26 Elks and 5 non members biking, walking or volunteering. Special guest, Skye Bailey, who won Most Valuable Student in 2022 from the Grand Lodge in Chicago and her family as well as the Vice President to the Elks West District Robert Arrington from Waynesville, NC. To date, this event has raised over $3,500 in scholarship money. Hot dogs and hamburgers were graciously donated by the Hickory PER Association for fellowship after the event. This is an open event that anyone can participate in.
Awesome day celebrating our nation’s independence with the Veterans at Black Mountain State Veterans Home! The Hickory Elks Lodge provided music with our own Joe Elko, and provided BBQ and sides by Elks: Chuck Crawford and Tom McNair. Pictured serving the veterans Carole Anderson, Karl Kuehn, Samantha Bowman, Mary Elko, ER (president) Cary Bowman, Linda Dodson, Joe Elko, Patti Brown, Blake Watts, and Kevin McCutcheon. Elks Volunteer Service representative to the home supplied the veterans with lotions, shampoos, hats, sweatpants, and electric razors. We were happy to be able to help.
June 6th the Hickory Elks lodge was happy to reach out to local Marine Veteran Harry Odum. Mr. Odum was referred to us by Fran Harvey with Veterans Services of the Carolinas. The Elks provided a bed and household goods with our Welcome Home Kit Program. Please help us wish this veteran the best of luck in his brighter future. Pictured, Lodge ER (President) Cary Bowman, Veterans Committee Chairperson Samantha Bowman, and Marine Veteran Harry Odum.