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On Saturday, July 29, Winchester Elks Lodge #2816 hosted a morning breakfast as it does several times throughout the year. 

However, that was far from its only involvement throughout the day. 

Its Kids with Cancer charity event included breakfast, a bike ride, auction and more with all money raised going toward supporting children battling the disease. 

“Our goal this year [is] $15,000. I’m hoping [and] I think we’re going to either get close to it or we’re going to get it,” said Larry Hall, Exalted Ruler of Winchester Elks Lodge #2816. “It’ll be a good day…absolutely worth it!” 

The Kentucky Elks Association’s State Major Project is to provide youth patients unfortunately battling cancer with monetary assistance for needs such as food, travel, and medical bills to help families cope with their child’s disease and necessary treatment. 

Two separate camps – Camp Quality and Camp Indian Summer – are hosted to provide such kids with recreational activities and more. 

Saturday morning’s breakfast included a variety of individuals from the community and out of town, including members of the Winchester-Clark County Parks and Recreation staff, law enforcement such as Clark County Detention Center Jailer Frank Doyle and Sheriff Berl Perdue, and Clark County Coroner Neal Oliver. 

All could enjoy their choices of food, which included eggs, sausage, pancakes, biscuits and gravy. 

Steve Justice, President of the Winchester-Clark County Heritage Commission, was present along with his wife, Donna. 

“Me and my wife heard that they were having a fundraiser out here,” he said, noting that he and his wife, Donna, found it meaningful after having dealt with a similar situation. “We just enjoy the camaraderie and the breakfast is [really] good.” 

Following the breakfast, which lasted from 7:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m., members of Elks Lodge #2816 partook in a charity ride throughout Winchester. 

“Two big things that we fundraise for are veterans and kids with cancer,” said Steve Berryman, Esteemed Leading Knight with Winchester Elks Lodge #2816. “To come out and be able to participate in this today in any way we can and make a donation, that’s what we do.” 

Following the charity ride, members returned later in the day to the Lodge location on 255 Shoppers Drive for a meal and auction. 

Items for the donation were dropped off to the Lodge throughout the previous weeks. 

Hall, also a licensed auctioneer, spoke of the significant role the community has played in making the event a success. 

“A lot of our members have really stepped up today to help…it’s a group effort. It [isn’t] just one person,” he said. 

Hall also expressed gratitude that others from cities outside Winchester sought involvement, including Nicholasville, Cynthiana, Mount Sterling, and more.