Maine Elks Association

Public Relations Committee Newsbriefs -09/13/07


Maine Elks Association Newsbriefs


Thanks A Million!!!

Sanford Elks Surpass $1 Million Dollars in Giving for Children with Cancer

SANFORD, ME--On September 8, 2006, the Sanford Elks Lodge #1470, held their 14th annual Maine Children's Cancer Program Golf Tournament at the Sanford Country Club, capping off a year of fundraising year activities that raised a total of $115,000 dollars for children with cancer. The Lodge celebrated surpassing the $1 Million Dollar mark in giving to the Maine Children’s Cancer Program. Throughout its fourteen year history, the Sanford Elks have donated $1,087,502 dollars. 

The festivities began on Friday, September 7th, at the Sanford Elks Lodge with their annual Chili/Chowder Contest and Silent/Live Auction. Over several hundred people placed bids on the items, which were generously donated by area businesses.

In the Chili/Chowder Cook-off, several area restaurants provided the attendees with their best chili and chowder. Awards were presented to the winners, including the Judges Choice and People's Choice for the best Chili and Chowder. While those in attendance were sampling the area's best Chili and Chowder, they were also encouraged to take part in the annual auction, which this year offered over several hundred items donated by area businesses and individuals. The total raised from this event was a record $18,343 dollars. Last year, the auction raised a total of $16,000 dollars. This is the tenth year the Chili/Chowder Contest has been held, and it is the 13th year for the Auction. Chili/Chowder and Auction Chairman Steve Horne wishes to thank all of the people across the State who attended in support of the event.

Saturday, September 8, 2006, dawned as a very warm day for golf, as 240 golfers in two flights took part in the Lodge's annual tournament. As the golfer's traveled around the course, they had the opportunity to take part in several mini-events including hole-in-one competitions on the three Par-3 holes, a longest drive competition, and closest to the pin contests. The tournament was held in a scramble format, which helped even out the competition. At the conclusion of the tournament, the golfers and volunteers were treated to a Prime Rib dinner and awards at the Lodge.


Togus VA Wish List

VOLUNTEER ASSIGNMENTS:

1.
       Drivers for statewide Volunteer Transportation Network – Sanford, Rockland, Brunswick, Skowhegan, Portland, Caribou.
2.
       Veterans History Project- recording personal histories
3.
       Escort and Delivery – Hospital wide and in Primary Care on weekdays
4.
       Canteen Service – assisting during lunch time
5.
       Mealtime companions for long term care patients - individuals and small groups needed
6.
       Nuclear medicine- Office help & procedure buddies
7.
       Primary Care – Computer instruction- My Health E Vet & MOVE Program.
8.
       Nursing Home Care Unit - escort needed Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, & Friday (12:30-3:30)
9.
       Hospice Volunteers - Training provided
10.
   NHCU - assistance with clothing/writing letters/reading/visitation
11.
   NHCU – 1 on 1 visitation to play board games/cribbage/dominos/etc.
12.
   Telehealth Support – Learn to provide support in your community to patients using home telehealth devices (Aroostook, Washington, Hancock, Oxford, and Cumberland counties)
13.
   CBOC Volunteer needed in Rumford to assist team with medical records MWF for 2hrs each day

ONGOING PROGRAM SUPPORT:

1.
       Electric razors- triple head type. ($49-69 ea.)
2.
       Comfort Item Program (shampoo, deodorant, etc.)
3.
       Diabetic snacks for clinic patients
4.
       Coffee & Newspaper funds - provides coffee/newspapers at waiting areas/wards/clinics.
5.
       General Patient Comfort Fund (Memorial Donations)
6.
       Adapted Sports Equipment/Outings – Recreation Therapy
7.
       National Rehabilitation Events (Golden Age Games, Winter Sports, Wheelchair Games, and Creative Arts )
8.
       Sewing machines – Recreation Therapy (approx. $250)

SPECIAL REQUESTS/PROJECTS:
 
1.
       Unit 4 South activity sponsorship. (approx. $50 pizza party, $25 Ice-cream Social)
2.
       Televisions for patient rooms (approx. $285 ea.)
3.
       TV/VCR/DVD combo & cart for Bangor, CBOC ( $500-$700)
4.
       Kenmore sewing machine (approx. $250 ea)

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The Internal Revenue Service has announced that under the Tax Code, donations to the Department of Veterans Affairs’ General Post Fund for exclusively public purposes are deductible from federal income taxes in the manner and to the extent allowable.  The announcement reflects the tax law provision, which makes those donations deductible as “donations to the United States”.  Donations to support any of the Department’s programs are deductible, whether the donor directs that the donated funds be used for a specific purpose or allows the Department to decide how the donated funds will be used.

NOT NEEDED AT THIS TIME!  Used Stamps; any clothing that is stained or torn; Jigsaw Puzzles; Playing Cards; Hardcover Books; Romance Novels; Magazines Over Three Months Old; Disposable Razors; Soap; After-Shave; Writing Tablets; Pens; and Envelopes.  Due to Infection Control policies we are unable to take used walkers, canes, or crutches at this time.


Brunswick Elks Hold Blood Drive
From Ginny Gramaglia, Brunswick Elks Exalted Ruler

On August 28th the Brunswick Elks Lodge #2043 held an American Red Cross Blood Drive at the lodge. This was organized once again this year by lodge member, Tony Bernier. Several of the lodge members volunteered their time and/or donated blood. There were over 70 units of blood collected at a time when the need for blood donations are so great. Many thanks to Tony Bernier, the workers from the American Red Cross, the volunteers and to the donors.


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, Newsbriefs, and/or Website. Also, if you would like to be removed from this mailing list, please send an e-mail to Public Relations Director Wayne Cotterly at meapr@fairpoint.net. In addition, if you know of someone who would like to be added to this list, please have them forward their e-mail address to the same address. All information provided has been read and approved by the MEA State President