Too many for combined banquet, but Du Quoin Elks vote to shoulder girls' all-sports banquet, too

In what Du Quoin Elks Club exalted ruler Alan Porter calls a "groundbreaking" decision, the membership has "overwhelmingly" approved a resolution to host what will become the Elks Girls All-Sports Banquet.

The vote was taken during an April 23 meeting of the historic organization.

Because of the sheer numbers involved, the girls' banquet will not be combined with the annual Elks boys' all-sports banquet.

But, it begins to break the lock on a "boys only" banquet.

Porter told the newspaper Tuesday the decision was written into the May Elks Club newsletter which goes out today.

He said longtime Jason James and Lonnie James tendered the proposal to the organization at their meeting.

Porter said the decision complements the organization's mission to foster the stewardship of Du Quoin's youth, which it already does on several levels.

"We hope to make it more prestigious for our girls athletes," said Porter.

The Elks boys' all-sports banquet will be held on Tuesday, May 7 at 7 p.m. at the Elks Lodge. The 1st annual Elks girls' all-sports banquet will be held on Wednesday, May 15 at 7 p.m., the Wednesday before commencement. Porter said the tradition of the girls' scholarship program will continue along with the naming of the senior girl athlete of the year.

Porter said the Elks lodge will shoulder the costs at the outset, then will have a full year to fully establish a committee to guide next year's planning.

Over the years the girls' banquet has been shouldered by several community organizations and they have been banquets done well with great caring.

The vote gives the banquet a new permanent home.