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| - My first time visiting an Elks Lodge. I really wasn't sure what to expect, but a friend invited me to a Charity Ball at the Scottsdale Elks Lodge, so what the heck . . . I am always interested in new experiences at new places.
The Elks Lodge, officially "The Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks" is an American fraternal order founded in 1868 as a social club in NYC. It seems to have the same vibes as the VFW organization lodges (I've been to an event at a VFW in NM in past years.) The Elks have lodges across the US and, if you are a member, you can find one to attend near you by going to their website.
[Membership in the Elks BPOE requires you to be a citizen of the US, over 21 and believe in God. Membership in the VFW is based on current service in the military or an honorable discharge from one of the branches of the US military.]
The Charity Ball at the Scottsdale Elks Lodge was a formal / semi-formal affair with dinner and drinks. Sounded like a welcome change from my usual jeans & flip-flops. The staff at the Lodge were all super-nice and even had added a local volunteer troop of Girl Scouts to serve the meal. Apparently the Elks do a lot of charity financial support for local non-profit organizations. A big plus in my book . . .
Tales at our table indicated that this Lodge has recently gone through some renovations. Seemed like a typical "Lodge" building to me. Large meeting room, equally large bar with bartenders, kitchen, etc. Nothing fancy, but if you like that feeling of a members-only meeting place, this would certainly fill that bill. Most everyone seemed to be well-acquainted and comfortable with the surroundings. Trips to the well stocked bar may have helped.
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