<p>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 a charitable foundation that gives away millions of dollars each year toward scholarships, youth programs, drug awareness programs and veterans' programs.</p> <p>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.</p>