Installed as State President was Elmer Berry representing the Lewiston Elks Lodge #371. Berry, in his opening remarks, thanked outgoing President Luis Morales for his commitment and dedication to the association. He also thanked the members for their support, and encouraged each Lodge to give 100% support to the Elks programs.

In his acceptance speech, Berry indicated that his theme for the coming year would be "Strive for Perfection, Settle for Excellence," referring to the work and accomplishments of the Benevolent & Protective Order of Elks, and that the focus for the association over the coming year would be to continue the good works of the Order.

Installed as officers of the association for the 2003-2004 year were: State President: Elmer Berry (Lewiston), 1st Vice-President: Greg Daniels (Presque Isle), 2nd Vice-President: Bruce Brunelle (Sanford), 3rd Vice-President: Robert Drisko (Augusta), Secretary: Philip O'Brion (Farmington), Treasurer: Roger Normandeau (Sanford), Chaplain: Jackielynn Farrell (Lewiston), Tiler: David Strand (Bath), Administrative Assistant: Claris Ranger (Farmington), and Sergeant-at Arms: Christopher Gendron (Lewiston). Serving as installing officer was Past District Deputy Grand Exalted Ruler Harry Desjardins of the Biddeford-Saco Elks Lodge.

Front (L-R) Claris Ranger, Bruce Brunelle, Elmer Berry, Greg Daniels, Robert Drisko; Back (L-R) Philip O’Brion, Roger Normandeau, David Strand, Jackielynn Farrell, Christopher Gendron

Maine Elks Set New Record of Giving to Kids with Cancer

The motto of the Benevolent & Protective Order of Elks is "Elks Care - Elks Share," and the members of the Maine Elks Association certainly lived up to that motto when they presented a check for $222,222 to the Maine Children's Cancer Program (MCCP) at their 76th Annual State Convention in Augusta. The donation set a new annual record for giving by the Maine Elks Association which prides itself on helping kids fight cancer. The check was presented to MCCP Board of Directors Chairman Larry Laderbush by Maine Elks State President Luis Morales. The donation represents the culmination of the Maine Elks fundraising efforts for the 2004-2005 fraternal year.

Left to Right: MEA State President Luis Morales, MCCP Golf Tournament Director Rick Drouin, MCCP Board Chairman Larry Laderbush, MCCP Ambassador Shane Everett, MEA First Lady Dorothy Morales

The Maine Children's Cancer Program is a major project of the Maine Elks Association, and this year will mark the 21st year that the two organizations have worked together. Over that period of time, the Maine Elks have donated over $1.4 Million dollars to the program, and have consistently raised over $180,000 dollars for the past 3 years. In addition to donating money to the Cancer Program, Elk Lodge's across the State of Maine have also donated toys through their "Owie Box" program. In this program, the children who are being treated for cancer get to select a toy from the "Owie Box" whenever the child undergoes a painful procedure. The Maine Elks also provide a day of fun and entertainment for these children at their annual Youthfest program held each year in August.

The Maine Children's Cancer Program provides integrated, comprehensive, clinical research-based medical care and psychosocial and practical support services to children with cancer from throughout the State of Maine. The program strives not only to cure cancer in as many children as possible but also to support families throughout their experience of living with childhood cancer.

The Maine Elks Association is a non-profit fraternal organization consisting of 22 Elk Lodges, representing over 12,000 members across the State of Maine. In addition to supporting MCCP, the association provides programs in the areas of Americanism, Scholarships, Drug Awareness, and Veterans/National Service. The Maine Elks are very proud to be associated with this program, which does so much to help children with cancer here in Maine. For more information on the Elks visit maineelks.org, or stop by your local Elks Lodge.