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Elks raise over $17,000 for local veterans through annual golf scramble

by DYLAN GREENE
Sports Editor | November 12, 2020 1:00 AM

SANDPOINT — Even in a challenging year for many, the Sandpoint Elks Lodge No. 1376 still received unwavering support from the community during its 13th annual Patriotic Golf Scramble.

Held Sept. 20, the event raised enough money to distribute over $17,000 to local veterans and their families through the Marine Corps League, Disabled American Veterans, American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars and Vietnam Veterans of America.

Linda Tatlock, chairman of the scramble and exalted ruler of the Elks, said they can't thank the community and their sponsors enough for the continued support over the years.

"It was our focus from the beginning to go forward and do what we could to raise funds for the local veterans," she wrote in a press release. "In an effort to show our appreciation for all the support of our community, we displayed a hole sponsor sign for every person or business who has contributed over the past 13 years, whether they contributed this year or not. A simple gesture, but one that made an impact on every golfer who played that day."

About 20 teams competed in the scramble and Bob Huyck, past exalted ruler, said it was really important to the Elks to find a way to hold the event this fall and give back to those who have served our country.

"It's been a rough year for everyone around, that's one of the reasons we were so glad we were able to put it together," he said. "So many people stepped up and said, 'Yeah you know what I want to do something to help the scramble,' because every year we get a chance to help support the veterans directly."

Recently, the Sandpoint Elks Lodge celebrated its 100th anniversary and the group is planning on pushing forward with its annual free Thanksgiving dinner for seniors and veterans.

Huyck and Tatlock, who have both been Elks members for 15 years, said the dinner brings the community together and the volunteers look forward to the event every year.

In the past, Tatlock said buses from the nursing homes have transported seniors to the dinner, so they can enjoy music and meet new people.

Unfortunately, this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic and Gov. Brad Little moving the state back to Stage 3, the event will look a little different and in-person seating at the lodge will be limited.

But the Elks have adjusted. In order to serve as many hungry veterans and seniors as possible, they are offering a take-out option.

"It's really a special night," Tatlock said. "We're going to do everything we can this year to make it as special for those who dine in or as comfortable for those that drive-thru."

Tatlock said they've been offering take out for the Friday Fish Fry and that's seen plenty of success while following safety precautions.

"We're just rolling with it the best we can and so far it's workin'," she said.

The Elks is hosting its free Thanksgiving dinner on Wednesday, Nov. 18, at its lodge, 30196 Highway 200 in Ponderay. The dinner with all the fixings will be served from 3 to 5:30 p.m. or until the last customer is fed. Tatlock said they are preparing to serve over 300 people.

Anyone interested in getting take out or reserving a dine-in spot can call 208-263-3811.

For take-outers, Tatlock said people can leave a voicemail with their name, number of dinners, preference of turkey or ham and the time at which they will be arriving to pick up their meal, and it will be ready for them when they get there.

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Flags from every branch of the military fly during the Patriotic Golf Scramble.