The Lake Today

“It is beneficent, not merely benevolent, and believes that doing good is better than merely being good. It teaches that it is nobler to serve than to be served; that laughter is better than tears, a kind word more potent than a frown; and that life is all the sweeter with a song.”

These are words nearly a million Elks member at more than 2,000 lodges nationwide live by. Indeed, they are one of the oldest and most commonly known fraternal organizations in America, started 143 years ago with a small group of entertainers, actors and other theater professionals in New York City. Yet, their foundation is built on the community’s they help and at their headquarters, their lodges.

The Lake Area community found these values the national organization portrays deeply engrained into the Elks Lodge 2517 at its recent and first-time open house event Sept. 21. Visitors learned this Elks Lodge not only welcomes any member who wants to join a 750-member brotherhood of patriotic, fun-loving and considerate citizens who meet for dinners, play bingo, enjoy live musical entertainment and camaraderie with their fellow “Lakers.” They did not only learn about the rebuilt lodge that doubled the size of meeting space, which is graciously opened to other civic organizations, business meetings and private activities such as anniversary parties or wedding receptions.

They also learned about the Elks Lodge’s “best kept secret” – their contributions to the community.

Becoming an Elk

For Sam Sunley, community service has been in his blood for a long time. An a Ohio native, Sunley was been in the medical supply business for many years, living in Springfield, Ill., Chicago and St. Louis. Aside from providing for the community through his work and providing for his family, Sunley was involved in helping his fellow man through his extracurricular activities.

“I really enjoy doing things for other people and have always been interested in helping others as well as been involved in some sort of community organization or activity,” he explained, noting at just one of his accolades as the president of the Jaycees in Springfield, Ill.

Yet, when he permanently moved to Lake of the Ozarks in 1998 after retiring, Sunley was looking for a way to involve himself in this community. A friend told him about the Elks Lodge Post 2517 and he decided to join, wanting to stay active.

He moved through the series of required officer positions such as four different vice president spots. Now, he serves as the exalted ruler of the Elks Lodge 2517, which is the highest title you can serve in the local organization.

“Like with any company, you help direct things and see what is going on throughout the organization,” Sunley said of his current Elks officer position. “I let the committee chairmen do their job and help where I am needed, providing guidance. We have a wonderful group of officers, trustees and committee members – they do a great job.”

What Sunley has truly learned throughout his 10-plus years with the Elks Lodge 2517 is the amount of community contribution the Elks provide the Lake of the Ozarks residents, visitors and future leaders.

Being a part of the ‘gang’

In being a member of the Elks Lodge 2517, Sunley said its members are patriotic. Members are accepted for any political position they believe, yet, they support American values and more importantly those who have served our country.

The Elks Veterans Committee sets aside November as Elks Veterans Remembrance Month, and honors veterans of war heavily throughout this time. Yet, 12 months out of the year, the Elks Lodge 2517 visit veterans, such as those at the Veterans Home in Warrensburg, gives clothing and needed items to those in need, and simply visits veterans to spend time with those soldiers who have served in the U.S. military.

“We also are deeply involved in various local programs from cards, letters and gifts to our soldiers on active duty to their families here at home,” Sunley said. “A great amount of time, money, goods and services are spent at the Veterans Home in Warrensburg. We also sent several veterans to Washington DC and our Lodge was very active in the Missouri Medals program.”

Sunley added just recently they gave $1,000 to the Veterans Home, and hold aside an annual budget of $8,000 to solely contribute to various activities and services through the Lodge’s Veterans committee.

The Elks Lodge 2517 member also helps with the long-standing drug awareness program where Elks talk with fourth through ninth graders about stopping drug abuse before it starts. According to an Elks Lodge 2517 information brochure, the program makes every Elk award of the drug problem, alert each parent to the drug problem and to assist each teacher in dealing with the drug problem in the classroom.

One of the programs the Elks Lodge 2517 is most proud of, Sunley says, is its scholarship program. Started 12 years ago, and have given nearly $350,000 in scholarship monies to some 350 students within the School of the Osage, Eldon, Camdenton and Iberia school districts. This program allows the student the opportunity to pursue higher education at college or a vocational school.

Sunley echoed remarks from the scholarship committee indicating that the Lake of the Ozarks Elks firmly believe that preventive measures such as giving kids hope and positive direction from an early age through high school is vitally important.

This year, they hope to reach a goal of $20,000 in scholarship funds and have seen and appreciate every Elk and community member who has supported the program. In fact, one of Sunley’s most proud and memorable moments being an Elks is seeing the local students who receive scholarship advance on in receiving larger scholarships at the regional, state and even national levels.

“More than four years ago, we had a young female student from Iberia who received a local scholarship and advanced on to each of the next levels up to receiving a nationally-recognized Elks scholarship,” he explained. “She ended up receiving about $40,000 in scholarship monies to help her attend Harvard University. That was a proud moment for our Elks Lodge and for that student.”

Celebrating in community spirit

For Sunley and his fellow Elks Lodge 2517 members enjoy taking a philanthropic part in their community with these programs, additional fundraisers to provide monies for these programs such as their upcoming annual golf tournament on Oct. 3, and their patriotic services such as playing host to the American Legion Post’s annual flag retirement ceremony in June.

Yet, they also enjoy providing a positive community outlet with their Lodge. They have their own in house volunteer kitchen staff providing inexpensive meals and fellowship and ample space to anyone who inquires for the service. The lodge now, more than ever, has seen use of its remodeled facility.

Sunley said in 2006, the Lodge’s roof collapsed because of a snow storm. However, thanks to the Elks members, numerous volunteers and community assistance, they rebuilt the Lodge in record time – 14 months.

“We expanded the Lodge by 40 percent,” he said. “We have a very nice facility now which is available to all sorts of different things outside of Elks functions. We have seen so many people interested in becoming Elks members too since our new facility was built, as well.”

At the recent open house, visitors learned all about the Elks. Now, instead of knowing a local Elks was in their community, they have seen just how diverse, benevolent and inviting the organization is.

For Sunley, the open house was a new event idea and proved successful for its organization and relationship in the community. The members hope to see new events for the Elks and their community involvement be implemented in the future, as well.

Yet, right now, he encourages anyone to stop by the Elks to learn how they can join, experience their facility and become part of the reputable local “order.”

“We meet the first and third Tuesdays each month at the Lodge and encourage anyone to come out and see what we are all about,” he said. “Many Elks join because of the community programs we provide and are involved in or because of the scholarship program we provide each year. Others join because of the camaraderie of the people and friendly, social aspect of the organization. Either way, they all enjoy being an Elk and particularly enjoy being an active member of the Lake Area community.”

For more information about the Elks Lodge Post 2517, call their office after 2 p.m. at 573-348-3798 or visit www.lakeozarkelks.org. The Elks Lodge 2517 is located at 5161 Highway 54 in Osage Beach.