MANKATO, MN (October 16, 2018) – The Mankato Elks Lodge announce a $100,000 philanthropic challenge.  An anonymous donor has offered to match $100,000 to be contributed to the newly established Elks Charitable Fund, a permanent endowment through the Mankato Area Foundation (MAF). For over 125 years, the Elks of Mankato has been supporting the communities of South Central MN with a variety of valuable programs.  Their members continually invest their time, talents and financial resources to ensure the success of the many veteran, community and youth programs within the Greater Mankato area.

After an anonymous donor stepped forward and offered a matching gift of $100,000, the Elks Club thought it was the perfect opportunity to create the endowment fund. With the potential of raising up to $200,000 with the matching gift, in addition to their current funds, the Elks will be able to honor their tradition of supporting our region through charitable giving into perpetuity.

“As a member of one of the oldest Mankato fraternal organizations, I can’t think of a better way to celebrate our 125th year than to enter into this partnership with MAF.  Several years ago we liquidated our fixed assets and created an endowed fund focused on giving back to this area. By using these funds to create the Elks Charitable Fund within the Foundation, we strengthen our ability to serve,” said Todd Tanhoff, Exalted Ruler of the Elks Club, “Over the years, our members have made sure that our community, veteran, and youth programs positively impact our area and this move ensures those efforts will continue for many years to come.”

“We’re thrilled to be working so closely with this wonderful organization. The Elks have a long history of charitable giving locally. Promoting and supporting philanthropy is what we do – so this partnership will only enhance both of our organizations.” Said Nancy Zallek, President and CEO of MAF.

David Norris, Lodge President, agreed. “We’re very pleased to be working with MAF to administer this fund. Their knowledgeable staff and the systems they have in place will allow our members to focus on our mission and therefore have a greater impact on our local communities than ever before. With over 1,200 hours of volunteer time last year, the mean and women officers and members of this organization continually prove our motto, “Elks Care, Elks Share.”

The Elks plan to host a check presentation on Tuesday, October 16, at 6 pm at the Loose Moose Saloon.

About the Mankato Elks Lodge #225

Mankato Lodge 225 is an organization of members throughout our community that have a passion to serve. They support veteran's projects, youth organizations and several other organizations in our community.

If you have a passion for our community and are looking for a way to express that passion, consider Elkdom - Elks Care, Elks Share.

About the Mankato Area Foundation

The Mankato Area Foundation is a donor-driven community foundation whose purpose is to improve the livability in our region. Our Community Foundation connects donors with causes they care about, provides funding to address key community objectives and convenes individuals and organizations to find solutions to local challenges.

To learn more about the Mankato Area Foundation and how the organization makes an impact in this region visit www.mankatoareafoundation.com or visit us on Facebook.