Utica Elks Lodge #33 was so impressed with the work of Mother Marianne’s West Side Kitchen that its members decided to make another $1,000 donation to the operation.

Elks donation
Utica Elks Lodge Exalted Ruler Nicholas Salamanchuk presents a $1,000 donation to Kitchen Manager Michael Pilat. Flanking them are Kathleen and Roger Kraus.

Last March Elks members Roger and Kathleen Kraus visited the soup kitchen to present a check for $1,000, and this September they returned with Lodge Exalted Ruler Nicholas Salamanchuk, who presented another check for $1,000 from the Elks National Foundation. The foundation is the giving arm of the Elks, nationally donating millions of dollars to worthy causes.

Kathy and Roger shared a joint comment after the presentation, noting:

“BPOE Utica Lodge #33 members have become more knowledgeable of the services provided by Mother Marianne’s West Side Kitchen following our grant donation last year. When this year’s donation came up, our members encouraged us to continue helping the needy individuals and families in our community who need the support Mother Marianne’s Kitchen provides. Mother Marianne’s Kitchen members, over a period of three months, were able to serve 8,792 meals to those people who are truly in need and on September 8th several of our Elk members reached out with another Gratitude Grant check in support of food funding for their kitchen this year.”