Summit Elks Make Donation to Visual Arts Center of New Jersey

Summit, NJ (May 14, 2026)—The Elks Lodge of SummA person wearing a blue surgical mask and a burgundy and navy striped sweater holds up a watercolor painting in what appears to be a classroom or office setting. The painting features an abstract figure — likely a dress or female torso — painted in vivid red and pink against a teal/turquoise brushstroke background on white paper. The artist's signature is visible in the lower right corner of the painting.it recently donated $2,500 to the Visual Arts Center of New Jersey (VACNJ) in support of its partnership with ECLC (Education, Careers & Lifelong Community) of New Jersey. The gift will fund VACNJ’s work with ECLC’s PRIDE program, which helps adults with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities gain life skills with a focus on activities that help in one of four areas: social appropriateness, independent living, work enhancement skills, and community participation.

At the Art Center, ECLC PRIDE participants engage with current exhibitions, receive guided art instruction, and create individual artworks alongside experienced teaching artists. These sessions intentionally foster social connection and support participants’ social and emotional well-being.

“The Elks Club’s generous donation will allow us to continue providing high-quality, once-a-week programming to our friends at ECLC,” said Rachel Aponte, Director of Education & Community Engagement. “The goals of this program align seamlessly with the mission of the Art Center, and this meaningful contribution from the Elks will help us continue this important work.”

About the Summit Elks Lodge 1246
For more than 150 years, the Elks have worked towards their mission of inculcating the principles of charity, justice, brotherly love, and fidelity. They have done so by supporting numerous charitable causes, providing scholarships to students in need, offering a local meeting place for the community, and serving as a place for like-minded individuals to meet and socialize in a relaxed setting. Visit summitelks1246.org for more information.