Elks hold DARE grad party

Van Wert Lodge 1197, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, again assisted the Van Wert City/County DARE program with its annual DARE graduation party held May 9 at the YMCA. A total of 250 boys and girls from county schools converged on the local YM to enjoy a fun-filled evening. Students had the opportunity to play basketball, swim, dance and socialize with their classmates. Elks members (above) were busy grilling free hamburgers and hotdogs to feed the hungry boys and girls. The lodge provides food and drinks for the local event each year and prepares the food. Funds are made available to the local lodge from the Elks National Foundation in the form of a Promise Grant, which is available to local lodges that want to sponsor drug- and alcohol-free events in the community. (Elks photo)