Building Brighter Futures: Our Commitment to State Major Projects!
Learn how our initiatives are making a lasting difference in the lives of those we serve, and discover how you can contribute to these vital efforts!

Laradon - Embracing Differences, Empowering Possibility

In 1948, Denver postman Joseph V. Calabrese faced a daunting challenge: finding a school for his developmentally disabled children. Inspired by necessity, Joe declared, "By golly, if there’s no place for my kids, I’ll start a school of my own!" With determination and his family's $10,000 life savings, Joe and his wife transformed a house into Colorado’s first school for children with developmental disabilities.

In 1950, the Colorado Elks Association proudly adopted Laradon as its State Major Project, purchasing an abandoned school in the Globeville neighborhood for $25,000. This generous act turned the Calabreses’ vision into reality, establishing Laradon as the first private, non-profit organization in the Rocky Mountain Region dedicated to providing individualized services and programming for intellectually and developmentally disabled children.

As Laradon has expanded its services and client base, the unwavering support from the Colorado Elks has been instrumental. Over the past 25 years, Elks organizations have contributed nearly $4 million to Laradon, ensuring the continuation of its vital programs. Funding is sourced from benefit dinners, special fundraising events, personal donations from members, estate bequests, and large grants from both state and national Elks associations.

Find Out More About Laradon

Additional Resources

Join us in supporting this crucial cause by visiting www.Laradon.org to learn more and make a donation. Together, we can make a lasting impact on the lives of children with developmental disabilities.

Committee Leadership
Chair:

Clem & Evelyn Audin Fund

Established in 1975 by Evelyn Audin, the Clem & Evelyn Audin Fund young people in Colorado through education, health, development, and care. This fund specifically supports children under the age of 19, ensuring they receive the assistance they need to thrive.

About Clem Audin
Clem Audin, Jr., a member of Hotchkiss Elks Lodge #1807, tragically died in a coal mine accident on August 3, 1973. At the time, he was First Vice-President of the Colorado State Elks Association and was set to become State President. Clem was deeply involved in various Elks programs and held multiple leadership roles.

Endowment & Memorial Funds
In honor of Clem, his wife Evelyn established a $100,000 trust fund, with half of the annual interest supporting Hotchkiss Lodge and the other half benefiting the Colorado Elks Association. In 2016, the fund was renamed to recognize Evelyn’s contributions alongside Clem’s.

Additionally, the Clem Audin Memorial Fund was created in 1976 with an initial $1,000 donation from Montrose Lodge #1053. This fund continues to grow through contributions, with only the interest income used to assist young people in need.

Eligibility & Administration
A committee appointed by the Colorado Elks Association President manages the fund and its allocations for youth up to age 19. Eligible children can receive funding for various needs, including:

  • Up to $500 per year for clothing, school supplies, registration fees, and related expenses.
  • Up to $700 per year for verified medical situations.

Application & Resources

If you know a child or family in need of assistance, or if you would like to contribute to this meaningful cause, please contact your local Colorado Lodge. Contributions are tax-deductible and welcome from anyone. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of young individuals in our community.
 
Committee Leadership
Chair:

 

Colorado Elks Association (CEA) Camp

The CEA Camp is a mission-driven retreat envisioned to serve veterans, youth, and families through outdoor experiences rooted in community, service, and stewardship.
 
The CEA Camp will provide a permanent, nonprofit space where:
  • Veterans can reconnect, reflect, and heal alongside peers
  • Youth can learn leadership, responsibility, and service through the outdoors
  • Families can share meaningful experiences away from daily pressures
Designed with simplicity and purpose, the CEA Camp will feature rustic structures, open gathering areas, and preserved natural spaces—favoring thoughtful use over large-scale development.
This is not a commercial campground.
 
 
Where Are We Today?
After extensive discussion and planning, the CEA is actively evaluating a potential camp property located in Colorado’s high country near the historic community of Como.
 
The Camp Committee was authorize to spend escrow/earnest money to begin the property purchase process for the proposed CEA Camp, subject to completion of due diligence and final CEA Board approval prior to closing.
The site offers:
  • Wide open space and mountain surroundings
  • A quiet, rural setting well-suited for reflection and restoration
  • Natural terrain that supports low-impact, phased development
At this stage:
  • The property is under active consideration
  • Due diligence is underway, including land use, utilities, access, and long-term suitability
  • No final decisions have been made, and no public operations are proposed at this time
The current focus is careful evaluation—ensuring any future camp is responsible, compliant, and aligned with both Elks values and local expectations.
 
What’s Next?
The next phase of the CEA Camp project is intentional and measured.
Planned next steps include:
  • Completing property due diligence and feasibility review
  • Engaging local planning authorities early and transparently
  • Refining a phased development approach beginning with limited, seasonal use
  • Securing initial funding to support acquisition and early planning
As the project moves forward, the Colorado Elks Association will continue to emphasize:
  • Respect for the land and neighboring community
  • Responsible nonprofit stewardship
  • Clear governance and long-term sustainability
This phase is about listening, learning, and planning carefully—so that if the Camp moves forward, it does so on a solid foundation