LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending the Kinderhook Elks Lodge No. 2530 for
its many years of dedicated service to its community

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize that the
quality and character of life in the communities across New York State
are reflective of the concerned and dedicated efforts of those organiza-
tions and individuals who are devoted to the welfare of the community
and its citizenry; and
WHEREAS, It is also the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize
and pay tribute to fraternal organizations of high purpose and worthy
accomplishment whose endeavors have faithfully served the welfare of the
citizens of the State of New York; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commend
the Kinderhook Elks Lodge No. 2530 for its many years of dedicated
service to its community; and
WHEREAS, The Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks (BPOE) is one of
the oldest and largest fraternal organizations in the United States;
established in 1928, the Elks National Foundation is the charitable arm
of the BPOE; over the years, the Foundation has contributed millions
toward Elks' charitable projects nationwide; and
WHEREAS, The Elk organization was founded in New York City on February
16, 1868, under the name "Jolly Corks" by 15 actors, entertainers, and
others associated with the theater; in ensuing years, membership
expanded to other professions; and
WHEREAS, Its mission is to teach the principles of Charity, Justice,
Brotherly Love and Fidelity; to recognize a belief in God; to promote
the welfare and enhance the happiness of its Members; to quicken the
spirit of American patriotism; to cultivate good fellowship; to perpet-
uate itself as a fraternal organization, and to provide for its govern-
ment, the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks of the United States
of America will serve the people and communities through benevolent
programs, demonstrating that Elks Care and Elks Share; and
WHEREAS, Holding true to the mission of the Elks, the Kinderhook Elks
Lodge No. 2530 strives to fulfill the needs of its community and veter-
ans; and
WHEREAS, For many years, Kinderhook Elks Lodge No. 2530 has partic-
ipated in the Marion Stegman program delivering food and gifts during
the holidays to needy families throughout northern Columbia county; this
vital organization also holds a community dinner at St. Luke's Church in
Valatie, New York, providing a free meal for everyone in the community;
and
WHEREAS, In addition, the fun-loving members of the Kinderhook Elks
Lodge No. 2530 hold an annual prom for people with special needs, spon-
sor a hoop shoot for local school children where they can win college
scholarships, and host an Easter Celebration in Kinderhook Square where
children can take pictures with the Easter bunny, hunt for eggs, and eat
delicious treats; and
WHEREAS, Our Nation's veterans deserve to be recognized, commended and
thanked by the people of the State of New York for their service and for
their dedication to their communities, their State and their Nation; and
WHEREAS, The Kinderhook Elks Lodge No. 2530 truly honors our veterans
by letting them know that they are admired and respected; the Lodge
hosts birthday parties for the disabled veterans at the VA Stratton
Albany Hospital, complete with games, music, food and gifts; organizes
two fishing events for the disabled veterans, offers a complimentary
dinner for all veterans on Veterans Day; and donates both gifts and

funds to the Blue Star Mothers of Hudson, New York, who then ship them
to our men and women serving overseas; and
WHEREAS, Organizations of singular distinction such as Kinderhook Elks
Lodge No. 2530 merit the grateful praise of the community and of the
State of New York; and
WHEREAS, It is the practice of this Legislative Body that when organ-
izations of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our
attention, they should be recognized by all the citizens of this great
Empire State; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend the Kinderhook Elks Lodge No. 2530 for its many years of dedi-
cated service to its community; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the Kinderhook Elks Lodge No. 2530.