Indiana Elks Association invests millions in Hoosier Communities, installs new state president

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The Indiana Elks Association recently made history at its annual Spring State Convention, electing and installing Angela O’Donnell of Elwood Lodge 368 as its first female State President. Held at the Sheraton Hotel at Keystone Crossing, the convention also marked a celebration of another year of profound charitable impact across the Hoosier State.

Representing 51 local Lodges and more than 13,000 members statewide, the Association continually embodies its core motto, “Elks Care, Elks Share.” The installation of O’Donnell represents a landmark moment for the fraternal organization as it enters its next chapter of leadership and service.

“I am deeply honored to lead the Indiana Elks Association over the next year,” O’Donnell said. “Our members prove every day that Elks Care and Elks Share, and together we will continue to strengthen our communities and expand our charitable reach.”

The Association extends its deepest gratitude to outgoing State President Jeffrey Willoughby of Greenfield Lodge 1720 for his exceptional leadership over the past year. Willoughby was instrumental in championing the vital community work of Indiana’s Lodges and successfully raised over $57,000 for his chosen charity, Rock Steady Boxing, an organization dedicated to empowering individuals fighting Parkinson’s disease.

Reflecting on his year as State President, Willoughby said, “Serving as President of the Indiana Elks Association has been the honor of a lifetime. The dedication, generosity, and heart of our Hoosier members never cease to amaze me.”

Indiana Elks Lodge demonstrate steadfast commitment to Hoosier communities

Over the past year, Indiana Elks Lodges have generated more than $7 million in total community impact across the Hoosier State. This includes nearly $2 million in direct financial donations to critical local causes, such as combating food insecurity among children and senior citizens, supporting military veterans and first responders, and providing school supplies for students in underfunded districts.

A legacy of fighting cancer

Since 1948, the Indiana Elks have dedicated their fundraising muscle to cancer research as their State Major Project. This enduring commitment has resulted in more than $12.2 million donated to the state’s premier research institutions:

• The Purdue Institute for Cancer Research: Indiana Elks funding directly supports “Innovative Grants,” allowing faculty to pursue pioneering, high-risk research ideas that often struggle to secure traditional federal funding.
• Indiana University Melvin and Bren Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center: Donations fund young investigators, ensuring the brightest scientific minds remain in Indiana to develop life-saving treatments.
• Riley Children’s Health: Indiana Elks have partnered with Riley Children’s Health for over a decade, donating in excess of $200,000 to fund a vital pediatric cancer research endowment that supports future medical breakthroughs.

Empowering Indiana’s youth

Believing that youth mentorship and support are important investments in the future, the Indiana Elks leverage the Elks National Foundation (ENF) and local lodge initiatives to drive three key programs:

• Scholarship Programs: This year, the Indiana Elks Association awarded 104 scholarships totaling $209,000 to Indiana high school seniors to help them achieve their dreams of higher education.
• Elks Hoop Shoot: A premier free-throw contest teaching children aged 8-13 grit, goal-setting, and good sportsmanship. This year, over 13,000 Hoosier children participated in the program.
• Drug Awareness: The Elks operates the nation’s largest volunteer-run drug awareness program, distributing literature and organizing community events to help youth make healthy choices.

Honoring those who served

Staying true to their solemn pledge – “So long as there are veterans, the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks will never forget them” – members actively support Indiana’s heroes through:

• Direct Veteran Assistance: Through the Parade of Nickels Program, the Indiana Elks provides direct assistance to veterans who are struggling with housing, utilities, food insecurity, and other critical needs.
• Hospital Support: Volunteers regularly visit VA Medical Centers in Indianapolis, Fort Wayne, Marion, as well as the Indiana Veterans Home in West Lafayette to provide comfort items, host activities, and offer companionship.
• Targeted Grants: Lodges utilize ENF Freedom Grants to directly combat veteran homelessness and food insecurity in their local neighborhoods.

Committed to excellence & community trust

Grounded in a long-standing tradition of community service, Indiana Elks Lodges remain steadfastly committed to being responsible neighbors and vital pillars of their local communities. As part of this commitment, the organization prioritizes strict adherence to all state and local regulations governing both alcohol service and charitable gaming activities. By upholding the highest standards of legal compliance, Indiana Elks ensure their Lodges remain safe, welcoming, and transparent spaces that effectively support the communities they serve.

For more information on the Indiana Elks Association, their charitable programs, or to find a Lodge near you, please visit indianaelks.org and elks.org.