On a recent crisp November evening in Nashville, Janice Brown and Ms. Lehnay Cunningham each accepted a $250 donation check on behalf of their families. Janice Brown represented Mrs. Benjamin who couldn’t appear because of her work schedule. They were featured on Nashville News Channel WTVF 5 after they lost their home to a horrible house fire in November.

The Charitable donations are a part of the annual community outreach project that is sponsored by the Daughters of Elks. This priceless project is chaired by the standing Vice Daughter Ruler. This year Vice Daughter Ruler Cheryl Woodard graciously went above and beyond by inviting local media to be a part of the ceremony. Daughter Ruler Francine Renee Hallowell and the charity committee teamed up to assure that both the families were made welcome.

The distinguished Daughters of the Elks serve the community at large through donations and unconditional support. The esteemed Daughters of the Improved Benevolent Protective Order of Elks of the World are the female auxiliary of the Improved Benevolent Protective Order of Elks of the World, an African American spin off of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. Unlike the latter organization, which never officially had female auxiliaries, the Daughters has been officially recognized and encouraged by its male counterpart.

Both recipients were sincerely grateful and cried tears of genuine heartfelt joy. There were more than enough hugs to go around.

If you would like to help or join this chapter, contact Vice Daughter Ruler Cheryl Woodard at <cheryljwoodard@yahoo.com>.