Elks DARE cookout

Van Wert Lodge 1197, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, again assisted the Van Wert City/County DARE program with its annual graduation party held May 2 at the YMCA. A total of 295 boys and girls from Van Wert County schools converged on the local YMCA to enjoy a fun filled evening. The students had the opportunity to play basketball, swim, dance and visit and socialize with their classmates. Members of Van Wert Elks Lodge (above) were kept busy grilling hamburgers and hot dogs to feed the hungry youngsters. The local Elks Lodge provides the food and drinks for the local event each year and prepares the food. The monies are made available to the local lodge from the Elks National Foundation in the form of a Promise Grant, which are available to local lodges that want to sponsor drug and alcohol free events in the community. (Elks photo)