STORY:

The Frederick Allen Lodge #609 has been the historical heart of Saratoga Springs’ African American community since the 1920’s, serving the humanitarian needs of our city and all her people … and now the Lodge needs us, Saratoga!

Covid19 greatly impacted the Lodge’s ability to that generate monies that sustain their community space and building (located at 69 Beekman Street), as well as their philanthropic work in the community. Our continued action is making a difference in strengthening “Saratoga’s Soul” here in Saratoga! And we’ve got more distance to go — together! (For more information on the Frederick Allen Lodge #609, click here for a great in-depth article by Jacob Smith, Skidmore College, Class of '24.)

IMMEDIATE NEED:

THIS campaign has already helped Frederick Allen Elks Lodge to meet the egress requirements with new exterior stairs, as well as a myriad of other repairs. The next phase will continue to address much needed renovations, as outlined below:

Priority #1 > 2nd floor egress with new exterior stairs - completed!

Priority #2 > Foundation: re-work masonry, add supports, address building lean ($75,000 est.)

Priority #3 > 1st floor: remove current floor, correct leveling, add support, address layout & bathroom accessibility, & re-surface ($125,000 est.)

Priority #4 > *Kitchen Upgrade: repairs & commercial rehab ($60,000 est.)

*FYI, we need to address Priorities #2 & #3 FIRST, in preparation for #4. Ultimately, the Kitchen Upgrade is KEY to the Lodge’s community programming and sustainability because it enables:

• community youth support, such as their summer breakfast & lunch program,

• supporting the underprivileged in both the city and within their membership, and

• augmenting event hosting & rental of community space, thereby increasing the Lodge’s income stream.

DOWN THE ROAD ...

We all know that every journey begins with that first step … and though this particular journey is going to be a looooong one, we can help each other “keep our eyes on the prize!”

FUTURE INFRASTRUCTURE & CONSTRUCTION NEEDS:

• Bathrooms (3) > upgrade, incl. creating accessibility bathroom

• 1st floor > upgrade handicap-accessible egress

• Roof > soffit & trim repair

• Balcony > complete flooring & ceiling

• 2nd floor > level and upgrade

• • •

Please share where appropriate. We are so gladdened by all the well-wishes and our community’s amazing generosity.

No matter what amount -- YOU are The Difference in SAVING SARATOGA'S SOUL - the Frederick Allen Lodge #609!

Guided by the principles of "Charity, Justice, Brotherly & Sisterly Love, and Fidelity," the Frederick Allen Lodge #609, a proud member of the Improved Benevolent Protective Order of Elks of the World (IBPOE of W ), continues to serve and support the humanitarian needs of the people of Saratoga Springs, NY… and beyond. ❤️

Frederick Allen Lodge #609
69 Beekman Street
Saratoga Springs, NY 12866

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