Elks award Jernick Fund grant to Hayes family

In the true spirit of Elks caring, the Cape Henlopen Elks Lodge No. 2540 recently presented the family of 2-year old Saylor Hayes with a grant check from The William J. Jernick Fund, as well as companion checks from the lodge and its Past Exalted Rulers association totaling $2,500.

Little Saylor was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia, and the family often finds it necessary to travel from their home in the Lewes area to the A. I. DuPont Children's Hospital in Wilmington. They sometimes are able to stay at the Ronald McDonald House, but when that is not an option, hotel rooms, meals, gas, tolls and other travel expenses quickly grow and become difficult for the family to bear. When Cape Henlopen Elks Leading Knight Stephen Pepe learned of the Hayes family's plight, he offered to petition The Jernick Fund to help meet some of the family's growing needs.

The William J. Jernick Fund is a charitable fund of the Maryland, Delaware and District of Columbia Elks Association and is focused on assisting children experiencing medical issues or suffering from debilitating conditions. A one-time grant is available to deserving families in the local community and is given freely without obligation. Special consideration is given to applicants who have no insurance or other means to help themselves financially.

The Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks is a national nonprofit charitable fraternal organization whose mission includes providing grants to assist in meeting community needs, recognition of the spirit of American patriotism, cultivating good fellowship and serving the people and community through benevolent programs and demonstrating that Elks Care and Elks Share.

For further information regarding The William J. Jernick Fund and to receive an application for consideration of a grant, contact the Elks Cape Henlopen Lodge No. 2540 at 302-645-7016.