[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 21 (Friday, February 2, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E129]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 IN RECOGNITION OF THE BENEVOLENT AND PROTECTIVE ORDER OF ELKS' 150TH 
                              ANNIVERSARY

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ADAM B. SCHIFF

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, February 2, 2018

  Mr. SCHIFF. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Benevolent and 
Protective Order of Elks (B.P.O.E.) upon its one-hundred and fiftieth 
anniversary.
  Founded in 1868, the B.P.O.E. is a nationwide fraternal order 
comprised of nearly one million men and women who promote service, 
justice and fraternity through activities and charities supported by 
local Elks Lodges. Of the order's numerous lodges, which provide a 
place for neighbors to come together, the state of California houses 
the largest number. The B.P.O.E. is one of the premier charitable and 
patriotic organizations in the United States, raising billions of 
dollars in donations, which allow Elks to invest in their communities.
  The California-Hawaii Elks Association (CHEA) is best known for its 
support of children with disabilities. The fundraising arm of the 
association allows the Elks to hire therapists and preschool vision 
screeners to provide disabled children with the care they need. In 
addition to its remarkable work with children, CHEA also donates to 
organizations that assist with recovery efforts for natural disasters 
like the recent hurricanes, fires and floods.
  Another hallmark of the order is patriotism, as evident in CHEA's 
involvement in raising funds for the National World War II Memorial, as 
well as its emphasis on honoring the American Flag. A main focus of 
B.P.O.E. is to assist veterans, whether by adopting Veteran's Villages, 
performing at the United Service Organizations (U.S.O.), or building 
monuments to honor fallen heroes.
  Through programs such as the Americanism Essay Contest, Hoop Shoot, 
Scholarship Programs, the Dictionary Project and Scouting, CHEA 
encourages our youth to exemplify leadership, patriotism and 
compassion. The Elks also promote a drug-free environment for our youth 
by working with the Drug Enforcement Agency to provide scientific-based 
prevention programs and drug awareness information.
  The time, effort, and care that the Elks have given to the community 
is outstanding, and the residents of the San Gabriel Valley have 
benefited greatly from their dedicated work.
  At this time, I ask all members to join with me in commending the 
Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks for one-hundred and fifty years 
of committed service to the San Gabriel Valley.

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