Exalted Ruler Message – October 2011

Greetings fellow Elks.

The fall season is upon us and I am sure each of you are enjoying this beautiful time of the year. This is definitely a great reminder of why we live in North Dakota. There are many things going on this time of year, such as hunting, football and the start of indoor activities at the Elks, such as trivia, pinochle and the Sunday NFL package.

September was an eventful and successful month with the outdoor flood relief party on the patio which included the two bands, Low Down Dirty Dogs and Joe Friday, who donated their time and talent to our packed patio which was a very worthwhile cause. For a great evening out, please watch next spring and summer’s newsletters for future activities on our ever-expanding patio.

On the weekend of September 24th, Elk’s volunteers were very busy with the parade and the boy’s fall soccer shoot. We thank all those who gave so generously of their time and effort in making sure these were a great success.

Let me make mention of the membership committee’s scheduled open house which will be held on October 27th. This is to open up the Elk’s for any future members to see and tour our great lodge and answer any questions there may be for possible future members. We are excited about and most honored to be the largest lodge in the nation membership-wise and we are always looking for ways to preserve that respected title.

In last month’s newsletter you may have seen that we have started our annual major fundraiser, the car raffle. The committee has chosen a 2012 Chevrolet 45th Anniversary charcoal gray convertible Camaro, which will be on display in the front lobby soon. We are very excited about this year’s choice and are looking forward to making up the monetary difference we incurred due to this year’s flooding.

We have been severely hampered in giving to some of the great organizations in which we are honored to support but are hoping we can make up a vast majority of the loss in asking that each member purchase just one extra book of five tickets to help offset our losses. In that $15 extra dollars per member at 4,600 members that equals $69,000. Just imagine with that all the many worthwhile organizations we could help. Be looking for your booklets in the mail soon.

Come on down to the Elk’s and see the beautiful special edition Camaro that will be on display in our lodge.

Rick DeBolt
Exalted Ruler, Bismarck-Mandan Lodge #1199

It is my sad duty to announce the death of Mike Schumacher, Ed B. Harrison. May their Virtues be written on the tablet of love and memory.