The Benevolent and Protective Order of the Elks is a nationwide fraternal organization established in 1868. It has more than 1 million members and more than 2,000 locations throughout the United States. The Elks is also acharitable foundation that gives away millions of dollars each year toward scholarships, youth programs, drug awareness programs and veterans' programs. The Encinitas Elks Lodge offers plenty of activities for its members, including weekly dinners, daily happy hours, special-event parties, pool tournaments and Bingo. The lodge can be rented to nonmembers for business meetings or family events.