The Washington State Elks Association is a 101 year old organization made up of the Subordinate lodges of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks of the United States of America. It currently has 40 member Lodges within Washington State and over 31,000 members. Its purpose is to unite all Elks in closer bonds of fraternity, to promote the interests of the Order, exchange items beneficial to member Lodges, foster the virtues of Charity, Justice, Brotherly Love, and Fidelity and to further patriotic devotion to the principles of the United States of America.

The State Association organizes committees much the same as the Subordinate Lodges to assist the member Lodges in developing their local programs and performing their fraternal and charitable activities.

The State Association maintains a benevolent, humanitarian, and charitable activity to engage the efforts of each subordinate lodge and all members of the Order in Washington State. The major project is called the "Washington Elks Therapy Program for Children". The projects goal is to offer free in-home physical therapy to any child in need in the State of Washington. Funds generated to support this program in the last fiscal year totaled over $1,200,000.00.

The State Association is essentially a charitable organization. From April 1, 2000 through March 31, 2001, the Elks of Washington State generated funds and volunteer work with a total dollar value of $2,398,550.00 in support of their many programs. This was the culmination of considerable effort by the Elks and their ladies. The programs are all encompassing. The following is a partial list of the charitable work in Washington State.

1. Youth Programs - Hoop Shoot - Scholarships - Boy Scouts - Girl Scouts

2. Athletic Teams - Little League - Football - Basketball - Bowling - Golf - Special Olympics - Soccer

3. Patriotic Programs - Flag Day - Memorial Day

4. Veterans Programs - Picnics - Outings - Special Equipment - In Hospital Activities - Memorials

5. Community Service Programs - Donation of Lodge Facilities - Food Baskets - Senior Citizen Programs Citizen of the Year Recognition - Law Enforcement Officer and Firemen Recognition - Student Recognition

6. Drug Awareness Programs - Aimed at educating children in primary grades to the dangers of drugs - Material also in high schools - doctors offices - Hospitals - Clinics - and other similar places open to the public.