Red Bank Elks Charity Ball and a Very Special Honoree

The Red Bank Elks Lodge #233 recently held its 100th Annual Charity Ball and honored its Child of the Year, 4-year-old Leo Olsen.

Each year the lodge honors and supports a local child with special needs and provides assistance to the child and the family throughout the year and after. Olsen was diagnosed with Quadriplegic Cerebral Palsy and has had other health challenges throughout this young life, according to a release from the Elks.

Despite the challenges he’s faced, Olsen’s spirit and courage have remained unswayed. Leo’s parents, Cristina and Fred, a U.S. Army veteran, and his brothers Pierce and Ty, feel blessed to have this smart, loving and funny little boy in their lives, the release stated.

And now, so does the lodge.

Olsen’s new Elk friends presented him with three of his favorite things, including a stuffed animal panda bear, which he later named Elky, a New York Giants t-shirt and a New Jersey Devils hat.

The charity ball raised money to help make Olsen’s life a little easier by aiding his mobility. The items the money will be used to purchase include a wheelchair ramp, a car lift, and other items. The items, the release said, will help Leo live a more independent life.

The night was topped off by a performance by Olsen and older brother Pierce. The brothers sang along to one of their favorite country songs, The Impossible, by Joe Nichols. The song relates the story of Billy, a child who can’t walk but through prayer, determination, and never doubting the impossible, one day stands.

Red Bank’s Elks support special needs children throughout the year by sponsoring “Campership” for summer trips to the New Jersey Elks special needs camp, Camp Moore. The Red Bank Elks will send nine children for a weeklong stay and another 24 young adults for weekend excursions. Camp Moore provides a setting to help campers experience new adventures, lasting friendships, and opportunities to promote independence and greater self-confidence.

The lodge also partners with Red Bank’s Parks and Recreation Department to host a dance for special needs children in the community. The next dance will be held on Wednesday, April 20 at 6pm at the Red Bank Elks Lodge on 40 West Front Street.

For more information about the Red Bank Elks Lodge and their charitable events and activities, contact Melissa Zimmerman, the Elks public relations chairperson at mzimmerman20@comcast.net or by phone at 908-420-4979.