Elks Recreation, Inc. is a not-for profit organization that gives back to our community in various ways to support local area non-profit organizations by donating the use of Event Center property and/or equipment for their events; and supporting local non-profits with raising funds for their organizations. We will continue to update our “Giveback” list as we continue our efforts to benefit our community.
Here is a partial list of some of the non-profits and programs that have benefitted since 2019:
- Annual Queen Contest - $15M raised and distributed to the non profit organizations.
- Cross country high school teams in Santa Barbara and SLO Counties – donate use of Event Center for races and meets.
- HEET (Horse Emergency Evacuation Team) – donate use of Event Center for training for large animal emergency evacuation.
- The Event Center is the emergency evacuation site for large animals in cooperation with the Animal Services of Santa Barbara County.
- Hosted drive-thru graduations for local schools in cooperation with City of Santa Maria Recreation & Parks.
- Mini Rodeo – host 5,000 third graders to attend Mini Rodeo performances (2019 and prior years, Mini Rodeo will return 2024).
- U.S. Army – host push-up challenge during annual Rodeo and donate to local high schools.
- Youth dance– provide venue for multiple youth dance groups to perform during Christmas in the Country and have held recitals and performances.
- Hosted multiple equestrian recreation days during pandemic for families.
- Free Family Drive-In Movies – partnered with the City of Santa Maria Recreation & Park Department.
- Fourth of July firework celebration in partnership with the City of Santa Maria Recreation & Parks Department.
- Donate over 100 tickets annually for children battling cancer and their families to attend the Santa Maria Elks Rodeo.
- Donate Rodeo tickets daily for active military members and their families.
- Donate use of Event Center for Mini Rodeo qualifier for youth contestants.
- Santa Maria Chamber – donate “Visit Santa Maria Valley” sign to promote tourism.
- Local school districts – provide bus parking storage at Event Center during COVID-19 pandemic.
- Host Jr. Breakaway during annual Rodeo
- Dellos Performing Arts Center
- California High School Rodeo Association District 7
- Allan Hancock Rodeo Team
- C.A.R.E. 4 Paws – hosted pet food drive
- Miss Rodeo California Clinic
- West Coast Junior Rodeo Association
- Black Student Union
- Antlers of Santa Maria Elks Lodge
- P.L.A.Y.
- Orcutt Academy Cheer
- Orcutt Academy Boosters Club
- Pioneer Valley High School Cheerleaders
- Pioneer Valley FFA
- Santa Maria FFA
- SLO Vet Center
- USDA Forest Service – Los Padres National Forest
- Golden Circle of Champions