Lt. Gov. Pat Quinn Receives Donation from Illinois Elks Association to benefit Illinois Military Family Relief Fund.

SPRINGFIELD – January 28, 2005

Lieutenant Governor Pat Quinn received a generous donation from the Illinois chapter of the Elks Association. All proceeds will benefit the Illinois Military Family Relief Fund.

“For a century, the Illinois Elks have been a beacon of community service,” Quinn said. “They have unselfishly stood up for veterans and disadvantaged children, and we salute their commitment to our American soldiers and their families.”

With contributions totaling $35,000, the Elks have, to date, been the single largest contributor to the Illinois Military Family Relief Fund.

Quinn was joined by James McQuillan, National President of the Elks Association and Bill Voigts, past President of the Illinois Elks. In June 2003, Quinn celebrated the 100th anniversary of the Illinois Elks Association at the Elks’ national headquarters in Chicago.

"I am proud to be working with Lt. Gov. Quinn to promote the Illinois Military Family Relief Fund," said Voigts. "As past president of the Illinois Elks, I encourage all our members to donate money to the Fund on their state income tax forms through a special check-off box and promote the need for the Illinois Military Family Relief Fund."

The Illinois Military Family Relief Fund, drafted by Quinn and unanimously passed by the General Assembly, was signed into law in February, 2003, by Governor Rod Blagojevich. The fund assists the families of Illinois National Guard members and reservists called to active duty with rent, car payments, and utility bills. The fund has distributed more than $2.5 million to 4,300 Illinois military families.

“It is our responsibility to offer aid and support to the veterans who bravely protected our freedom in the past, as well as those men and women who are overseas fighting to protect our country from terrorism today,” Quinn said. “When our servicemen and women return home, they should receive the best care America has to offer. The Illinois Military Family Relief Fund exists to do just that.”

Currently there are 5,934 Illinois national reservists and guardsmen serving in Iraq and Afghanistan. To find out ways to help our troops, visit the website, www.OperationHomefront.org, which has garnered more than 9 million hits and is one of the most informative military websites regarding American troops in the country.