The Watkins Glen Elks Lodge has awarded $4,000 to two Schuyler County health programs, directing most of the money toward mobility equipment and the remainder toward support for women undergoing cancer treatment and recovery.
The Schuyler Health Foundation received $3,000 to buy mobility equipment for patients and residents, while Gorges Givers received $1,000 to continue assisting women in Schuyler County who are navigating a cancer diagnosis.
The awards were made through the Elks National Foundation's Beacon and Spotlight Grant program. The Watkins Glen lodge distributed $11,000 among eight organizations serving Watkins Glen and Schuyler County through the program.
The Schuyler Health Foundation is the charitable arm supporting Schuyler Hospital, a member of Centralus Health. It uses philanthropy, community partnerships and charitable giving to support health services across Schuyler County.
Kim Sprague, director of the foundation, said the grants will help provide equipment that supports patient care while strengthening Gorges Givers' work with local women during cancer treatment and recovery.
The latest funding continues a multiyear partnership between the lodge and the health programs. The Elks contributed another $6,000 in 2025 for rehabilitation services at Schuyler Hospital and direct support for Gorges Givers.
Since 2020, lodge grants have provided $25,000 for programs and services at Schuyler Hospital. Gorges Givers has received $2,500 through the partnership since the organization was established in 2023.
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