Moving into the 21st Century...  A half - century of caring and sharing began in 1950 when a desperate shortage of trained therapists led the Elks to come to the aid of children with disabilities. From this need was born the idea of the mobile therapy unit, and the seed took root for the growth of the California -  Hawaii Elks Major Project, Inc.  

That very next year in Eureka, California, with only two therapists, two station wagons and nine children, the Elks' vision for a better future for children with disability began its first steps.  Since then, the Major Project has provided services, at no cost to the families, for well over one million children during its 50 year existence.  Currently, the Major Project employs 34 trained professionals who, on the average, provide over 14,000 therapy sessions per year and screen 45,000 to 50,000 children for vision problems.

The Major Project serves children from birth to age 21 with home-based occupational therapy, physical therapy and speech-language therapy, focusing on those children in rural areas who do not have access to specialized health care.  The Major Project also provides vision screen in daycare centers, preschools, Elks lodge open screenings and health fairs, targeting the preschool age child for early identification of possible visual disorders.  In addition, scholarship programs for students with disabilities and monetary grants to established hospitals for specialized children's care are in place to reach an even wider number of children.

As we start our journey into the next millennium, we reflect on the many milestones achieved over the last 50 years of service.  We remember first, with fondness and gratitude, the Elks members who were visionary and instrumental in the initiation of this program.  Their foresight was, and will continue to be, far-reaching and all-encompassing n our fight to make the future for our children with disabilities what it can, and should be.  We celebrate our first 50 years with well-earned pride -- and accept the challenge of what the next 50 years brings.   

The Piggy Bank Program

A Little Goes a Long Way Toward Changing Tomorrow. Who could ever have imagined back in 1950 that the Elks Major Project, disbursing a record $3.6 million in the year 2000, could be solely supported by voluntary donations from the Elks and their friends?  As one of the largest private, non-profit philanthropic projects in the nation, not a single dollar comes from federal or state funds -- a fact that we are very proud of.

Integral to this effort is the Elks' Piggy Bank Program.  A simple, purple piggy bank reminds each individual participating how far a small amount of daily change can go to help a less fortunate child, and what it can do when combined and put toward changing these youngsters' futures.

In addition, lodges throughout California and Hawaii enhance their Piggy Bank funds in a variety of ways.  From quilt raffles to bowling tournaments, chili cook-offs to rodeos, funds are raised for the Major Project's life-enhancing work.

For those interested in giving to this worthy cause, be assured that whether you give through the Piggy Bank or make a bequest or gift in your will, all parts of the Elks Major Project are closely scrutinized to ensure that the highest possible performance and financial standards are adhered to.  

Bequest & Living Trusts

A Plan for the Future. The creation of the Bequests and Living Trusts (BLT) committee in 1984 set the stage for ensuring the financial future of the Major Project.  Amounts under $500 go directly to help underwrite Major Project expenses for the year in which they are given.  The establishment of the Bequests and Living Trusts Legacy Fund in 1991 designated gifts of $500 or more to be placed in a special account.

Income produced by the Legacy Trust Fund may be transferred to the operating account of the Major Project on a yearly basis.  Otherwise such income, when not used, becomes a part of the principal and thus continues to earn interest.  By a majority vote of the Major Project Trustees, the principal of the Legacy Trust Fund may be used for operating expenses.

The BLT Legacy Fund now approaches the $5 million mark.  The commitment of Elks members to the perpetuity of the Major Project speaks volumes.

Areas Covered

Physical Therapy --Occupational Therapy --  Speech-Language Therapy 

Preschool Vision Screening

 Mission Statement

The California-Hawaii Elks Major Project, Inc. a committee of the California-Hawaii Elks Association, pledges its commitment to addressing the unmet needs of children with disabilities throughout the states of California and Hawaii by developing a program of supporting services to aid these children at no cost to their families and without discrimination.

Reproduced with the permission of the California - Hawaii Elks Major Projects, Inc. The preceding text was reproduced from the 50 Years of Service Brochure.