The governor of the State of Washington Jay Inslee has declared Feb. 16, 2018 as the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks 150th Anniversary Day.

The Washington State Elks Association public relations chair, Sandi Frankie, worked with the State of Washington to share the worth of the Benevolent and Protective Order of the Elks to the communities in the state and was rewarded for her efforts the release of the proclamation from Olympia.

Recognizing the worth of the Benevolent and Protective Order of the Elks to the State of Washington is a milestone for the organization, which is celebrating 150 years of supporting communities around the U.S

“The Elks do so much for children in need in our state through our Washington State Elks Therapy Program for Children and our support of veterans and community members in need,” Frankie said. “It’s fitting that this proud moment, 150 years of service, is recognized by our Governor, Mr. Inslee, and our great State of Washington.”

The Washington State Elks Association and Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks of the U.S.

• Founded in New York City on February 16, 1867, by Charles Algernon Sidney Vivian, and a handful of friends, the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks (Elks) has spread across the country with 34 Lodges in Washington State
• The Elks invest millions of hours each year to build strong communities, assist homeless veterans, and ensure that kids stay away from drugs, and have disbursed more than $3.6 billion in cash, goods, and services to patriotic and civic programs
• The Elks rank among the top three private providers of scholarships for students, donating millions of dollars in scholarships to thousands of students as they pursue their dreams to become our nation's future leaders
• Since 1954, the Washington Elks Therapy Program for Children has provided home-based occupational or physical therapy to children with developmental delays or physical disabilities. Services are provided at no cost to the family served.

About the WSEA: A 102-year-old organization with 38 member Lodges within Washington State and more than 31,000 members. Its purpose is to unite all Elks in closer bonds of fraternity, promote the interests of the Order, exchange items beneficial to member Lodges, foster the virtues of Charity, Justice, Brotherly Love, and Fidelity, and further patriotic devotion to the principles of the United States of America.