Cd'A woman named Lady Elk of the Year

The Idaho State Association of Elks named Judy Gardner the 2017 Lady Elk of the Year on June 2 at the ISEA Summer Convention in Salmon.

The award recognizes nonmembers’ support of the Elks and the community.

Gardner’s husband of 57 years, Richard, has been a member of the Elks for 34 years and a member of the Coeur d’Alene Elks Lodge since they moved here 15 years ago. Gardner is not herself a member of the Elks, but she is considered to be a “Lady Elk,” a term used to refer to the wives of Elks members.

The Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks is an American fraternal order who work to benefit their communities by sponsoring youth and veteran programs as well as organizing events to support local charities.

Gardner earned the award by being an active part of the Elks lodge and the community. Jerry Adamson, the Coeur d’Alene Lodge’s past Exalted Ruler nominated Gardner for the award. The Lady Elk of the Year Committee reviewed Adamson’s recommendation and used it as the introduction of the award winner’s announcement at the luncheon. She is the first Lady Elk from North Idaho to ever receive this award.

“The minute they started in, you know it’s you, but nobody else does,” Gardner said. “When people read back what you do, you go, ‘Oh my gosh, I’ve done all of that?’”

Gardner supported her lodge by helping to organize different events such as Hamburger Tuesdays. She has also acted as co-chair on behalf of the lodge for the 3Cs Luncheon held there once a month for the past six years.

“I have supported the lodge in any way I could,” Gardner said.

The 3Cs is an organization of women volunteers committed to raising funds to fight cancer and assist local causes. Gardner has acted as president for two years, vice president for two years and she’s served on the board for seven years. She’s been chairwoman for their Fall Festival, started an activity group within the organization known as “Funables,” and has worked on the fashion show.

Gardner worked in the insurance industry for 35 years. After she and her husband retired in 2002, they moved to Coeur d’Alene from southern California. Gardner then joined the 3Cs in 2003 and became part of their leadership in 2006.

“There are so many organizations that need help,” Gardner said. She is motivated by that need to continue helping the community in any way she can.