Madison Elks Giving to Madison for Decades

Hanging beneath an imposing elk's head on a wall in the lodge room of Madison Elks Lodge 1465 hangs a bronze plaque that reads “charity."  This simple image seems to sum up perfectly what the fraternal organization does: The Elks help those in need whether it’s hosting pancake breakfasts for youth groups, buying an electric wheelchair for a senior citizen, or playing bingo with veterans. 

So what are the Elks?  The Madison Elks are part of a national organization that got its start in New York City in 1868 when a group of entertainers, the “Jolly Corks,” wanted to do more than enjoy each other’s company; they wanted to help serve the needs of others as well.

So, the Jolly Corks became the Benevolent and Protective Order of the Elks (BPOE).  With the majestic elk as its symbol, the group established brotherly love, justice, charity and fidelity as guiding principles. Since then the BPOE has added more than a million members and a network of more than 2000 lodges, including Madison Lodge 1465. 

The Madison Elks Lodge 1465 was established in 1923 and found its current home on Main Street in 1924.  For the past 88 years, the Madison Elks have worked to make a difference in the community.

And, that they do. Unlike some charitable groups that focus on funding large projects, the Elks tackle many small, yet important, needs. Paul Allocco, the Elks Exalted Ruler, said the Elks support many different groups but focus especially on youth and veterans. A few of the ways in which they have helped include: 

• Buying a defibrillator for the
• Arranging for a large screen TV to be installed at the Rexford Tucker House for senior citizens;
• Contributing to the construction of the Dodge Playground;
• Sponsoring the Boy Scout’s Venture Crew;
• Preparing an annual holiday dinner for veterans;
• Hosting an annual spring egg hunt for children.

And, if awards for pancake production were given out, the Lodge would surely be a top winner.  Thanks to the Elks’ generosity, many Madison youth sports programs have been given full use of the Lodge to flip pancakes for funds. In addition, once the event is over, the Elks often donate money to the cause as well. 

Madison Lodge 1465 also helps support state and national Elks’ initiatives.  These include donating money to the Elks’ Camp Moore, a summer camp for children with special needs.  They also sponsor the annual kids’ Hoop Shoot contest. Some Elks’ members are even brave enough to take a winter’s plunge into the freezing waters of Lake Hopatcong in support of Camp Moore scholarships.

According to Allocco, the Elks donate a total of $60,000 to 80,000 every year. Like other non-profits, in order to donate money, the Elks must raise money.  Membership dues of $52.50 per year and fundraisers provide resources as do the two slot machines in the Lodge’s Grille Room.  All of the income from these machines is donated to charity.

Presently, the Madison Elks have 264 members. The process for membership is pretty straightforward; there are only two major requirements, one, a belief in God and two, U.S. citizenship. Both men and women are eligible. According to Allocco, the Elks are trying to gear their membership drives to younger members and want to encourage more women to join, as well. 

Not long ago, the Lodge received a commendation from the national Elks organization for the recent addition of 10 new members to its rolls. “The word is getting out,” Allocco said.  

Greek author Aesop was quoted as saying “little by little does the trick.” This seems to apply to the Madison Elks. By stepping in to help with the many small needs in our town, the Elks have made and continue to make a giant impact.

For additional information about the Elks, questions about membership and requests for help, visit its website.