HOULTON, Maine – The Houlton Lodge of Elks 835 recently made its annual donation to The Bridge to Hope Foundation, Health Services Foundation and Sarah’s House of Maine.
“The Houlton Lodge of Elks 835 is extremely grateful for all three of these wonderful organizations and the support they provide to our community members,” said Elizabeth Grant, Exalted ruler. “This project was made possible by the 2024 Gratitude Grant from the Elks National Foundation, the charitable arm of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. Through its Community Investments Program, the Elks National Foundation awards grants to local Elks Lodges to help the Elks strengthen their communities.”
A check for $1,000 was presented to each organization to help support their mission.
Helping people in southern Aroostook County with financial support is the mission of the non-profit group called “Bridge to Hope.”
Taking part in the presentation are, from left, Ann Joy, Health Services Foundation board member; Elizabeth Grant, exalted ruler Houlton Lodge of Elks 835; and Lori Weston, executive director for Health Services Foundation.
(Courtesy of Elizabeth Grant)
The group has helped hundreds of families over the past years, with such kind gestures as gasoline gift cards and hotel accommodations to aid with travel expenses and provide moral support to patients and families of those undergoing cancer treatments or having appointments in central and southern Maine.
The Health Services Foundation’s mission is to support and seek financial support to ensure the continuity of quality healthcare throughout our greater communities. The grant funding will be used to acquire critically needed equipment at Houlton Regional Hospital. Lori Weston, executive director of the Health Services Foundation, stated that equipment needs are an on-going and often critical need at Houlton Regional Hospital. The Foundation works closely with the hospital administration throughout the year to identify and address critical needs within departments.
New and improved technologies occur rapidly in all areas of the medical world. The new technologies and equipment provide more effective and efficient patient care while allowing patients to receive that care close to home.
The mission of Sarah’s House, also a non-profit group, is to provide temporary lodging in a comfortable “home away for home” environment to cancer patients (and their caregivers) receiving treatments at Cancer Care.
The Houlton Lodge of Elks presented a check for $1,000 to Bridge to Hope as part of its annual donation. Taking part are, from left, Dee Butler Henderson, Kim Folsom, Exalted Ruler Elizabeth Grant, and Marie Carmichael.
(Courtesy of Elizabeth Grant)
They serve a vast area for cancer treatment, and convenient lodging is essential for patients and caregivers. At Sarah’s House, they not only provide an affordable place to stay, but a supportive and caring atmosphere centered around hope and healing. Referred guests are served with integrity and respect and without regard to financial resources.
Contact information for Sarah’s House of Maine, 346 Main Road, Holden ME 04429. Phone: 207- 989-1683, email: sarahshousemanager@gmail.com
Sarah’s House can also be found online at https://www.sarahshouseofmaine.org/.
To get involved with this or other Elks Lodge projects, email Exalted Ruler Elizabeth Grant at houltonelks@pwless.net. For more information about how the Elks National Foundation invests in local communities, visit the Elks National Foundation website at www.elks.org/enf/community.
