Hello fellow Elks,
As our Arizona winter settles in and we draw closer to our loved ones, we often use this time to reflect on the many blessings and privileges that we enjoy. However, please remember those who are less fortunate. My hope is that you experience joy and excitement this holiday season. And as you make your preparations, please take some time to consider ways that you can help bring joy to those less fortunate. Begin by participating in meetings and activities and invest your time in our community and the people who live in it.
I would like to acknowledge some things that have been going on at the Lodge, as well as our presence in the community. A BIG thank you is in order, for ALL our VOLUNTEERS!
October saw several activities where many members stepped up to help. One was the Cornhole Tournament for Black and Gold Youth Football and Youth Baseball. Another was the Impact One Breast Cancer fundraiser. A candy drive was also held to support the Halloween Trunk or Treat event at Apache Junction High School.
In partnership with Apache Junction Black and Gold Youth Football and the hosts of the event, Elks Lodge 2349 Apache Junction AZ, the 2nd Annual Cornhole fundraiser was a huge success! There were over 75 attendees at the event that included the cornhole games; a silent auction of wonderful items up for grabs; a 50/50 raffle; a wonderful 3 day/2-night casino trip raffle.
The Elks Lodge 2349 Apache Junction AZ donated $500 for AJHS Varsity Basketball and $250 for Junior high basketball team in October. We renewed our sponsorship banner in their gym!
Another successful fundraiser by Apache Junction Elks Lodge 2349. The event “Get on the Bus” held on October 7, 2023, was well attended, and helped raise money for Impact One Breast Cancer Foundation. The fundraiser included raffles, koozie sales, a 50/50 drawing, and a great bus ride where participants visited 5 other Elk Lodges. Thank you immensely to Phoenix, Scottsdale, Tempe, Chandler, and Mesa Buckhorn Elks Lodges for participating in the stops! We also give thanks for the generous donations from these lodges. Get online at ajelks.com/photo-gallery/ and look at some of the photos collected from the day of the event and the check presentation for $5,174 to Impact One Breast Cancer Foundation. Thanks to all the volunteers, participants, and sponsors. Job well done!
All Elk Lodges in the nation hold yearly memorial services for departed members on the first Sunday in December. Lodge #2349 Officers will hold this service on December 3, 2023, in the Lodge Dining Hall, starting at 1:00 p.m. in honor of our members who no longer answer when their names are called. Invitations will be sent to families. All Elk members are invited to attend, along with guests. The names of our fallen members, this past year, will appear in the December Newsletter.
With December quickly approaching, I encourage everyone to reach out to Joanne Curran and offer to help with the December Christmas Craft Fair, taking place on 12/02/23 at our lodge. The event will include a car show, music, and food, will run from 12 noon until 4 pm and will be indoors and outdoors. Joanne is accepting vendors and will be available for questions by calling her directly. See the flyer on our website for details.
Please note on the calendar that the Lodge will be closed for Thanksgiving on Thursday the 23rd. Enjoy your holiday.
Jim Watkins
E.R. Apache Junction Elks #2349