Who We Are
Elks are citizens of the United States over the age of 21 who believe in God. On February 16, 1868, the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks was formed in New York City. The Cahaba Valley Lodge originally received it’s Charter in Homewood. In 1985 they sold the Homewood property, purchased land, built a new building and started serving Pelham and Shelby County. Originally, only men could become Elks. In the late 1990’s, the organization started inviting women to join.
Today the Elks continue their traditions and uphold the four virtues of the Order: Charity, Justice, Brotherly Love and Fidelity.
Elks National Foundation
The Elks National Foundation (ENF) distributes money on a national level to Elks’ state associations, local lodges and nationally managed programs. Every Elk is asked to contribute $10 a year to the ENF. The principal in the trust fund is never spent. The Alabama Elks get back over $80,000 per year. These funds are available for scholarships, community projects and Veterans services. Each year the Cahaba Valley Elks lodge applies for and receives grants totaling more that $12,000 for use toward fulfilling various needs in our local community. For more information contact Leon Johnston elj_cvelk@bellsouth.net
What We Do
School Involvement Projects
Cahaba Valley Elks work with school administrators and teachers to create and deliver comprehensive programs to inspire youth, promote patriotism and develop appreciation for family values. Elements of each program are flexible based on student needs, grade level, and current societal issues. Examples include, Students see a video explaining the mean- ing of “Pledge of Allegiance” and a presentation on the history of the US Flag. The importance and respect for Veterans and Americanism is stressed. Students are encouraged to team with their parents to make the right life choices when facing peer pressure, and detrimental social and environmental issues. Ron Stone drewroi@aol.com
Hoop Shoot
Hoop Shoot is a free throw shooting contest. This activity provides an opportunity for children to Compete, Connect and Succeed. Boys and girls compete separately within age groupings: 8-9; 10-11; and 12-13. The first competition is held at the Lodge level in January, with the winners in each category advancing through the District, State, Regional and National competitions. The National winners have their name inscribed in the National Basketball Hall of Fame in Springfield MA. See More
For more information contact Bob Shinpaugh shinpaugh2elks@bellsouth.net
Veterans
Elks serve the Col Robert L Howard State Veterans Home by sponsoring an outing for Veterans to see the Birmingham Barons play baseball at Regions Field in Birmingham. We honor all Veterans by participating in Birmingham’s Veterans Day Parade. We honor the memory of Veterans by placing flags on graves in the Military section of local cemeteries. Our lodge members provide a variety of services to homeless veterans as their needs are many.
For more information contact John Gaydon gaydonj@bellsouth.net
Mental Health Awareness
Cahaba Valley Elks have partnered with accredited healthcare professionals to create short videos on various mental health topics. With the help of mental health professionals as script writers, we produce videos using Elks and others as actors. One or two videos are produced monthly and distributed to our network partners. Distribution partners share video links with their audiences. Topics include Bipolar Disorder, Depression, ADHD, Bullying, Anxiety and others. All videos are posted on our Elks Website and Facebook page. Ron Stone drewroi@aol.co
Americanism
The love of America runs deep within the Elks organization. Respect for the American Flag and for our veterans are principals that Elks practice. Each year the Elks join with the City of Pelham to host a free Flag Day Celebration at the Pelham Civic Center. The Elks sponsor a patriotic essay contest for students in grades 5-8. The assigned titles relate to Patriotism and help students appreciate the country they live in. The lodge also supports National Patriotism Week activities. hprater35007@bellsouth.net
Elks Scholarships
Scholarships are available each year through the Elks National Foundation (ENF), the State Association and our Lodge. The ENF “Most Valuable Student” (MVS) scholarship is open to graduating seniors. The ENF “Legacy” scholarship is for children and grandchildren of Elk members in good standing. In September, applications for both scholarships are available online at www.elks.org. State and local scholarships are selected from MVS applications. Contact Bob Shinpaugh, Shinaugh2elks@bellsouth.net
Lodge Activities
Cahaba Valley Elks, families, friends and guests participate in many fun activities including card games, dominoes, corn hole toss, football par- ties, special events and holiday parties. Our members take pride in knowing that we have some of the best cooks in the state. We gather for dinner and game night once a month. Throughout the year we have many group activities, spontaneous gatherings and cook-off’s to interact with other lodges in the state.
Twice a year we have our Famous Catfish Dinner. (tickets required).
Camp ASCCA
Camp ASCCA is the Alabama Elks’ major statewide project. It is Alabama’s Special Camp for Children and Adults. Camp ASCCA is a nationally recognized leader in therapeutic recreation for children and adults with both physical and mental disabilities. This camp is located near Alexander City on beautiful Lake Martin. Camp ASCCA is open year- round, providing weekend and week-long sessions. Camp ASCCA serves an average 7,000 people annually.
Mission Statement
To inculcate the principles of Charity, Justice, Brotherly Love and Fidelity; to recognize a belief in God; to promote the welfare and enhance the happiness of our members; to quicken the spirit of American Patriotism; to cultivate good fellowship; to perpetuate the Order as a fraternal organization and provide for its government, the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks of the United States of America, to serve the people and communities of this nation through benevolent programs demonstrating that: Elks Care-Elks Share.
Membership Information
The Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks
of the United States of America has nearly one million members and nearly 2,000 local lodges nationwide. The Elks are providing charitable services that help to build stronger communities. The Order is non-political, non-sectarian, and it
is strictly an American Fraternity. If you would like to learn more about the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks or how to become a member of Cahaba Valley Elks Lodge No 1738, please contact the lodge, or one of our members and we will be happy to answer your questions.
Lodge Rentals
Various size rooms are available for Parties, Weddings, Meetings and Reunions. A Staging kitchen is available.
Click HERE for info and gallery
For available dates call 205-987-1738 or 205-529-8814 elkslodge1738@gmail.com