By Jennifer Ersalesi
Photos provided by Rich Tabachuk
It is hard to deny the strength of an organization whose members dedicate much of their time and creativity to helping others. The members of the Rutherford Elks Lodge are known for their collective efforts to support all of our residents and others in nearby communities. This is Rutherford interviewed long-standing Elks Lodge 547 member Rich Tabachuk to learn more about the Elks Lodge and their upcoming 125th Anniversary.
TIR: How long have you been a Rutherford Elks Lodge 547 member?
Rich Tabachuk: 38 years
TIR: The Rutherford Elks Lodge 547 will celebrate their 125th Anniversary in February. This is a huge milestone. Why do you think the Elks Lodge has been a cornerstone of the community for over a century?
RT: Besides the social affairs, our patriotism and the sense of giving back to the community and making a difference in people's lives is very rewarding. Working to assist those in need, special children, veterans, our youth, and families in need are all on our agendas daily. One of the most important things we give to anyone is hope. We tell people who are interested in joining that we are the givers of hope.
See photos below of the decorated Elks Lodge and the construction of the Elks Lodge.
Elk member, Kelly Powers, shared her thoughts about being an Elks member "I love being a Rutherford Elk because it is truly a community within the community. The work we do for special needs children, veterans, and the Rutherford community is incredibly inspiring. We take pride in supporting local organizations like the Ambulance Corps, and the food pantry, and in providing scholarships for high school students. Through the Elks, I've built lasting friendships and found joy in planning events that raise funds for our many charitable causes. As Membership Chair, I love welcoming those who seek connection, purpose, and the chance to make a difference- bringing them into the fold of this amazing organization."
TIR: What are some of your favorite ways the Elks support the community?
RT: We support the local food pantry with monthly donations, not just at certain times of the year. Our support of school programs as well as our sports programs keep us involved with our youth. Our hoop shoot and soccer shoot contests as well as our support of the Heroes and Cool Kids program have been going on for years. Rutherford Elks has sponsored a Little League team in town since 1955, as well as a Babe Ruth team for many years. We have also been a sponsor of the Top Dawgs soccer league for special needs children since the program started. We send students to our Path and Peer Leadership program every year. This program deals with drug awareness and bullying and is recognized by the Federal Government as one of the best in the country. The program teaches students how to lead in their schools and help those being bullied as well as the dangers of drugs and alcohol. We annually give out scholarships locally and students are also eligible for scholarships from the State and National Elks Association. The Elks are third in the country for giving out scholarships behind the Federal Government and another foundation.
   Every year we send children between the ages of 8 and 21 to Elks Camp Moore, a special needs camp in Haskell, NJ. Children go to the camp for a week at no cost to the family. Each year we host a Prom and a Halloween party for the South Bergen Jointure Commission schools. We also support the North Jersey Elks Developmental Disability Agency in Clifton, NJ. We continue to support our Boy and Girl Scout troops, Eagle Scouts, and Girl Scout Silver and Gold Award recipients. We support the Rutherford Fire Department, Ambulance Corp, PBA, 55 Kip Center, and the food pantry.
   Our support of our veterans and active military is second to none. As a patriotic organization, we send support packages overseas to let our military know NJ Elks are considering them and supporting their families while they are away serving our country. We are very conscious of supporting our "wear RED on Friday" program to remind people to Remember Everyone Deployed. We also support our homeless veterans program through our State Association which has helped over 2,500 veterans get off the streets and into furnished housing in the state of New Jersey over the past 9 years.Â
Elks Lodge Member, Beth Toole, explained, "I have been an Elk for 10 years. In that time I have been involved with many of the Charitable events the Elks Sponsor and held positions within the Lodge. I have the honor of being the Special Children Chair for my Lodge and the Northeast District. As a Lodge and a District, we have Charity Balls every year. In addition to the Charity Ball held by my Lodge, we support Elks Camp Moore, we have a Prom and a Halloween party for the South Bergen Jointure, and we reach out to those in need in our Community with the funds raised from the Ball. I also oversee the New Jersey State Elks Scholarships for Special Needs students. We give out two $10,000 and two $4,000 scholarships to four high school students from the State every year. This year I was asked to be the Co-Chairperson of Region 2 for Special Children. Being able to help children and their families means the world to me. The smile which lights up the face of a child is the best reward there is."
"After my daughters graduated High School, I was looking to join an organization where I could give back to my community and make a difference. I found that at the Rutherford Elks, supporting Children with special needs, Veterans, Youth activities, and the community at large. That was over 10 years ago. Since that time, I have held Leadership positions in both the Lodge and the Northeast District and have chaired and assisted in countless fundraising efforts. Through Elks National Foundation I have secured over $10,000 in Grants every year to support and give back to many organizations and causes within our community; including the Food Pantry, Ambulance Corps, Drug Awareness Programs, and Heroes and Cool Kids at Rutherford High School. Being an Elk has been a rewarding experience for me. I encourage anyone looking to support our community and meaningful causes to join us," Elks member Donna Hild told TIR.
Elks member, Danielle Sette, said, "I love being an Elk because there is a great sense of community support and friendship. The organization has deep roots and focuses on community support, children with special needs, and helping and aiding our Veterans' needs. We are a diverse group, yet come together with a charitable and volunteer-minded focus."
TIR: What are some of your favorite events that take place annually at the Elks Lodge?
RT: Events that take place that are all important and rewarding include our annual Charity Ball to raise money for those with special needs, breakfasts for our youth with Santa Claus as well as the Easter Bunny, a Flag Day ceremony to honor our nation's flag and history and the aforementioned youth contests. Our social events that raise money for charity as well as helping to pay our bills include trivia nights, costume parties, New Year's Eve parties, sporting event parties, food cooking contests, and potluck social events.
TIR: How will the Elks Lodge celebrate this Anniversary?
RT: We do not have as much planned for our 125th as we did for our 100th Anniversary, but we will celebrate this milestone on February 15th with a semi-formal cocktail party.
To learn more about the Elks Lodge, use this link. Follow them on social media on Facebook and Instagram @RutherfordElksLodge547
"Becoming an Elk is the best thing I ever did and I only wish I joined earlier as my fellow Elks have become like a second family to me! I love being at the lodge for both volunteer and social events," explained Elks member Sharon Bell.
