How donations support our community

Starting 2022 when you donate to our Lodge Charities, you contribute to 8 vital needs in our community. Our Lodge has identified food insecurity as an urgent need in our community and we are proud to support Bienvenidos with ongoing and consistent support.

We continue to support Veterans at a high level as well as those seeking aid from our Lodge through our ‘Elks Cares’ grocery gift cards. Our traditional areas of support continue to be Scholarships, youth activities, Clem-Audin Fund, Special Olympics and Laradon Hall.

You can contribute to our Lodge Charities by adding a donation to your bar tab, by clicking below or making a donation to the front office with the memo indicated.

You can also indicate specific support for any one of the charities. Click the Donate Button for options.

Elks Care – a fund for urgently identified needs, disaster relief or those seeking aid from our Lodge through grocery gift certificates. If you are in need, call our office 303-455-3557.

Bienvenidos Food Bank – Since 1976, Bienvenidos Food Bank has provided Northwest Denver individuals and families with food assistance in a safe, welcoming place. Whether it’s at our storefront market or mobile pantry, or emergency food locations at schools and at other nonprofits, Bienvenidos is an essential source of fresh, healthy food for those in need. Annually serving nearly 20,000 people across all of Denver with enough food to make more than 370,000 meals. Learn more

Scholarship Fund – Formerly the Bennett Fund, our Lodge has partnered with Denver North High School and DPS to develop and implement the Denver Elks Lodge #17 Scholarship. The first check, for $2017.00, was handed over to Joe Derose with the Denver North Alumni Association. The scholarship will be available to all senior students at Denver North High School this coming spring and will support those with interest and passion for service and support in the community.

Clem & Evelyn Audin Memorial Fund – This fund can be used exclusively for the education, health, development, and care for young people. Established 1975 to memorialize Clement Audin Jr., a member of Hotchkiss Lodge #1807, who was to become the CO Elks president just one month after he died unexpectedly in a tragic accident. The Fund is controlled by the trust instrument that created it.  Distribution of funds is administered by the CO Elks Association which writes the  regulations governing that process.  Since its inception, Elks all over the State of Colorado have contributed to it and now about $50,000.00 annually is distributed to children all over Colorado.  That $50,000.00 is the interest from the fund; no principal is used.  Learn more

Special Olympics Colorado – For over 30 years Jerry McManus and the McManus family hosted our annual Western Night fund raiser for Colorado Special Olympics at the Denver #17 Lodge. The mission of Special Olympics is to provide year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities, giving them continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy and participate in a sharing of gifts, skills and friendship with their families, other Special Olympics athletes and the community. Learn more

Veterans Committee – Our Lodge continually supports Veteran’s in need and services for active military in our community. Often in coordination with grants from Grand Lodge, Denver #17 hosts fundraisers to support our vital service members past and present. #17 has adopted the 193rd National Guard Troop and works closely with their Soldier and Family Readiness Group with thoughtful events and events to support their hard work. Learn more

Laradon Hall – Laradon’s Mission is to be an organization of excellence that provides superior, individualized services to children and adults with intellectual, developmental and other disabilities, supporting their independence in daily life and maximizing their full potential. Named after their two sons, Larry and Donald (shown below), Laradon was the first charitable organization in the Rocky Mountain region to offer support, guidance and training to children with developmental disabilities. In 1950, Laradon was adopted as the “State Major Project” of the Colorado Elks Association, a relationship that still exists today. With the help of the Elks, the Calabreses were able to purchase a larger facility and expand services to more students. Learn more

Youth Activities & Drug Awareness – Since 1982, the Elks have developed an effective, community-based drug prevention program by partnering with federal agencies including the Drug Enforcement Agency, Office of National Drug Control Policy, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, and national organizations such as Pride Youth Programs. These partnerships ensure the Elks Drug Awareness Program addresses the leading drug abuse issues facing communities today. Our Lodge also intentionally engages youth in our community to offer a place where they can celebrate their outstanding achievements in their school and community. Denver #17 consistently hosts athletic banquets for local high schools, features musical performances and theatrical troupes through fundraisers and events. We also support a variety of youth clubs and teams to use our Lodge to gather and organize. Learn more