The Wells County Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors recently surprised Tracy Beer, Club Manager, and members of the Bluffton Elks Lodge #796, who were named the April Member of the Month. This recognition celebrates the lodge’s longstanding dedication to community service, generosity, and making a meaningful local impact.
The surprise presentation took place during a lodge gathering, highlighting the many ways the Elks continue to give back to the community. From supporting local programs to hosting charitable events, the lodge has earned a reputation for service spanning generations. Members of the organization, volunteers, and community supporters all play a role in making these initiatives possible.
The Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks has a rich national history dating back to 1868, when it was founded in New York City as a fraternal organization focused on charity, justice, and community. The Bluffton lodge was established in 1902 and has remained a cornerstone of the local community ever since. Operating out of its downtown location for more than a century, the lodge has upheld a long-standing tradition of fellowship and service.
At its core, the Elks Lodge fosters camaraderie among its members while providing meaningful opportunities to give back. Through fundraising dinners, community events, and a variety of ongoing activities, the lodge raises money that is directly reinvested into local initiatives. As a nonprofit organization, its mission centers on addressing community needs, supporting education, and strengthening connections across Bluffton and the surrounding areas.
Each year, the Bluffton Elks Lodge contributes an estimated $50,000 to $60,000 in donations, scholarships, and charitable support. Their impact reaches a wide spectrum of causes, including local public libraries, cancer research at Indiana universities, and numerous community programs. This dedication ensures the lodge continues to make a tangible difference in the lives of residents.
Education is a key focus of the lodge’s charitable efforts. Each year, the Bluffton Elks Lodge awards over $20,000 in scholarships to students in Wells County and the surrounding region. In addition to participating in national scholarship programs through the Elks organization, the lodge prioritizes supporting local students, ensuring that their contributions have a direct and lasting impact on the community.
The day-to-day operations and programming of the lodge are made possible through the combined efforts of leadership and volunteers. Tracy Beer, Club Manager, plays a pivotal role in coordinating events, overseeing lodge activities, and supporting the members who make the work possible. “We’ve got an awesome board, an incredible club, and dedicated volunteers,” Beer said. “It takes a lot of people working together to make everything happen, and we’re proud of what we’re able to accomplish.”
Membership in the Elks Lodge provides individuals with an opportunity to join a service-focused organization while building strong connections in the community. Prospective members participate in an application and initiation process that continues a tradition carried forward for generations, fostering camaraderie and engagement.
For more than a century, Bluffton Elks Lodge #796 has remained committed to its mission of service, generosity, and fellowship. Their ongoing contributions continue to leave a lasting mark on the community, reinforcing the values that have guided the organization since its founding.
If you would like to learn more about the Bluffton Elks Lodge #796, visit their location at 121 N Main Street, Bluffton, IN 46714, call (260) 824-3562, or inquire about membership opportunities through the lodge.
Pictured holding the Member of the Month sign left to right are Tracy Beer, Club Manager; Kevin Poling, Former Exalted Ruler; Also pictured are, Nick Huffman, Current Exalted Ruler; Don Yates, Former Exalted Ruler; and Jeff Adams, Former Exalted Ruler, surrounded by other lodge members as well as Chamber staff and Ambassadors.
Please view more photos from the event on our Facebook page.