Elks "Owie Box" run raises $23,000 for kids fighting cancer
By Michael Lange, MEA Central District Public Relations

The 2010 Maine Elks Association "Owie Box" motorcycle run was another success story for the 13,000 member fraternal organization that raises funds for numerous charitable causes.

The 8th Annual Elks "Owie Box" Motorcycle Run held July 17-18 raised over $22,000 to buy toys and keepsakes for children undergoing treatment at the Maine Children's Cancer Program (MCCP) in Scarborough, according to event co-chair Randy Gerry of Waterville. "We expect even more donations to come in within the next month," said Gerry, a past exalted ruler or president of the Waterville Elks Lodge.

The group of 89 bikes left Augusta at 10 a.m. Saturday (July 17) and rode to the Skowhegan-Madison Elks Lodge for lunch.

At the local lodge in Skowhegan, the crew led by Darrell "Erkel" Gallant, served hamburgers, hot dogs and snacks to more than 125 riders and others who arrived in four-wheeled vehicles as well.

In addition, the newly-acquired Elks mobile health care unit was also in the convoy this year. The Winnebago RV travels throughout the state and gives free diabetes, blood pressure and hypertension screenings at major gathering such as parades, festivals and fairs.

Gerry said that after the riders left Skowhegan, they headed to the American Legion in Corinna for a half-hour break and snacks and then rode to Hermon Central Maine Harley for another rest stop.
 

"We were escorted by the Penobscot County Sheriff's Department from Newport all the way to Old Town Elks Lodge where we arrived around 4 p.m.," Gerry said. "We had dinner at the Old Town Lodge and representatives from the Maine Children's Cancer Program (MCCP) spoke of their appreciation for the Maine State Elks and the Owie Box run."

On Sunday, Gerry said that 18 bikes headed to Millinocket for lunch at Pelletier's Logging Restaurant and a break at the local Elks Lodge before heading back to Orono, and eventually to the Waterville-Augusta area. "For some of us, it was about a 380-mile round trip," said Gerry.

The Elks volunteer thanked "all the people that got pledges, donated raffle and auction items; and the Owie Box committee that worked all year to make this event successful. I also want to thank the law enforcement agencies that helped us safely arrive to our destination; and Dick Willette for driving the Elks health care van with the Owie Box banners on it; and (Maine Elks Association Secretary) Phil O'Brion for helping us collect and count the pledges and sponsor donations year after year."

Gerry said that if anyone wished to donate to the program, please send you check made out to the Maine Elks Association to Randy Gerry, Owie Box Program, 2 Jack Street, Winslow, ME 04901. Please note in the memo section of the check that it is for the Owie Box Program.

Photos available here: http://www.maineelks.org/owie%20box%20run%202010.html

Biddeford-Saco Elks Celebrate 75 years of Elkdom!

On July 18, 1935, the Biddeford-Saco Elks Lodge #1597 received its charter from the Grand Lodge of the Benevolent & Protective Order of Elks. This past weekend, the members of the Biddeford-Saco Elks Lodge celebrated their 75th Anniversary.

On Saturday, a dinner and dance was held at the Lodge, which attracted a packed house. In attendance was Past Grand Exalted Ruler Amos McCallum, Past Grand Lodge Inner Guard Roger Sicard, MEA State President Roger Normandeau, MEA President-Elect Wayne Cotterly, and several Past Exalted Rulers and members of the Biddeford-Saco Lodge.

The highlight of the evening was the shaving of the head of Exalted Ruler David Guay. A few months ago, Guay was challenged to shave his head. He said that if the Lodge could raise $1000 dollars by the 75th Anniversary, he would do it. That night, the Lodge collected a total of $1372.02 dollars. Several people had the honor of shaving the head of ER Guay including MEA State President Roger Normandeau.



Pictured above is Exalted Ruler David Guay before and after the head shaving fundraiser for the Elks National Foundation.

More Photos available here: http://www.maineelks.org/biddeford-saco-75th.html

Commemorative Coin Available

The Biddeford-Saco Elks is selling a limited edition Commemorative Coin in honor of their 75th Anniversary. At left is the face of the coin, with the Elk Head BPOE Logo on the reverse side.

Each coin is individually numbered. Cost for each of the coins is $5 dollars each.

For more information, contact Exalted Ruler David Guay at da47guay@mac.com or the Biddeford-Saco Elks Lodge at 207-283-1597

Elks March in Parade

The York, ME Elks Lodge #2788 recently marched in the Memorial Day Parade. The flag being carried by the Lodge officers is approximately 30' x 20' feet.  The Elks are a very popular unit along the parade route. 

Marchers were led by ER Elizabeth Butler, Carol Putnam with Grandson Aiden, Don Susla, Bob Keefe, Hank Rosenberg, Dale Bryant, Rich Woods, Roger Cote and Bob Carr.

If you have news or information of interest to the members of the Maine Elks Association, please send your articles to Public Relations Director Wayne Cotterly at meapr@fairpoint.net for inclusion in the MEA Calendar, the MEA Website, or future issues of this newsletter.

If you would like to create newsletters like this, and begin an e-mail marketing program for your business or organization, please click on this referral link to receive a $30 dollar credit.