Palmer man to lead District of Elks - USA

NEW ORLEANS, LA. — As members of the Elks-USA from across the nation gathered in New Orleans, Louisiana, from July 13 to 17, William Michael Southcott, of Palmer, was installed as District Deputy to the Elks National President for the lodges in the Central District of the Alaska State Elks Association.

Southcott was installed at the Order’s 150th Elks National Convention currently under way in New Orleans, Louisiana, where more than 7,000 members and guests were present. He will serve a one-year term.

More than 6,000 members belong to 17 Elks lodges in Alaska. Nationally, in 2012–2013, the Elks gave more than $400 million in cash, in-kind donations, and volunteer service. For example, the BPO Elks gave $8,500,000 in college scholarships, $8,800,000 to youth programs, and $6.5 million to communities from Community Investment Programs, while veterans’ activities were supported in the amount $40,689,000. Your local Elks lodge fulfills the Elks’ longstanding commitment to provide help for the disadvantaged and programs for veterans and youth in their communities.

— Submitted Palmer Elks