Robin Rutzke, Brandon Elks Lodge’s Veteran Chair, and Sharon Hammersla, PDD find creative ways to make veterans feel appreciated. They are using a portion of the Elks National Foundation Spotlight Grant to celebrate the birthdays of the veterans who reside at Liberty Manor, as many of the veterans may not have any family members or others to recognize their birthday. Grant funds are used to purchase $30 Walmart gift cards, and members bake or donate a cake. On May 13, veteran Douglas Jones was surprised on his birthday with a cake donated by a lodge member along with his gift card. When Rutzke delivered the birthday cake and card, Jones could not believe anyone even knew it was his birthday; he jumped up and gave her a big thank you hug. In addition, veteran Wolf accepted cakes and gift cards on behalf of two other residents who celebrated their birthdays in April and May. In June, cakes and cards were delivered to James Dunn and Chris Cuvellier. A member also donated canned cat food and treats for Skunkie, their resident cat.
Pictured are veterans Douglas Jones and Wolf and the cakes and cards..