Interview with Lee Rabidoux: First female president, BPO Elks Lodge

Lee Rabidoux made history at one of Colorado Springs' prominent nonprofit organizations when she became the first female president of the Benevolent and Protective Order of the Elks Lodge 309.

Rabidoux considers the group's nonprofit and volunteer work to be extremely important. She plans to continue the organization's volunteer efforts, especially those that involve children and disabled veterans.

As president, Rabidoux coordinates the group's efforts to help pay for Pikes Peak Hospice programs, as well as raise money to provide medical, dental and other health care for El Paso County residents.

Rabidoux recently took time to tell CSBJ about herself and her organization.

Organization: Colorado Springs Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks Lodge 309

Position: President

Hometown: Helena, Mont.

How long have you lived in Colorado Springs: 13 years

Education: Some college

A few words about your organization: The BPO Elks is a fraternal organization whose mission is in part to "serve the people and the communities through benevolent programs, demonstrating the Elks Care and Elks Share."

The BPO Elks support a variety of community service programs. Colorado Springs Elks Lodge 309 gives away food baskets at Christmas and Thanksgiving each year and hosts a Christmas party for disadvantaged children.

The lodge also holds an annual fundraiser for Candlelighters and has an annual charity ball. Last year's Charity Ball raised nearly $3,500 for Pikes Peak Hospice.

In addition, the Trimble Fund, which is administered by the lodge, gives about $25,000 a month to El Paso County residents to help with medical, dental, vision and other needs.

Recent accomplishments: I have worked with the Boy Scouts for more than 20 years, in many school organizations as an advocate for parents and children, and with the BPO Elks. As a volunteer grant writer for local nonprofits, I have helped raise more than $30,000 for their causes.

Biggest career break: Probably when I joined the Army and learned to take care of myself. I was a military policewoman.

The toughest part of your job: Balancing my volunteer life with my professional life is always a challenge. My husband is an American Family Insurance agent and I am his office manager.

Someone you admire: My husband Don, who shares the same volunteer spirit that I have.

About your family: We have three children, two boys; Bobby (26) and Eric (24) and our daughter Nicole is 22. Our grandson, Taylor is 5 and Harley (our standard poodle) is 4.

Something else you'd like to accomplish: I would like to go back to college and earn my bachelor's degree, I would like to get my motorcycle license and I would like to find more time to give back to my community.

How your organization will change during the next decade: The BPO Elks Lodge is going to continue to grow and become more visible nationwide. Communities and families are looking for organizations such as ours that provide youth-oriented programs like our Hoop Shoot and Soccer Shoot programs.

As the second largest provider of scholarships nationwide, the BPO Elks influence an incredible number of young people. Our veterans outreach program is especially important to the disabled veterans we have returning from Iraq.

What book are you currently reading? "Baby Steps to Success" by Vince Lombardi Jr.; "Mercy" by Julie Garwood and "Get Everyone in Your Boat Rowing in the Same Direction" by Bob Boylan.

What is the one thing you would change about Colorado Springs? Wow, that's a really tough question. I would probably provide greater recognition of volunteer opportunities.

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