Hill Climb weekend may be off the calendar this year thanks to a low-snow winter, but one beloved tradition refuses to sit it out: the legendary Philly cheesesteaks from the Jackson Hole Elks Lodge. For years, the hot, melty sandwiches have been synonymous with the full-throttle excitement of race weekend—best enjoyed with mittened hands while engines roar up Snow King.
This year, the Elks are keeping the spirit alive with a Hill Climb–style celebration in collaboration with the Snow Devils. On Saturday, March 21, the Jackson Hole Elks Lodge will host a lively alternative fundraiser featuring Dangling Chains performing from 7–10 p.m., cheesesteaks starting at 6 p.m., and raffle prizes. The event promises the same camaraderie—and the same crave-worthy sandwiches—just with a different backdrop.
Behind the griddle is the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks—locally known as the Jackson Hole Elks Lodge—a philanthropic and social organization that quietly raises significant funds for local causes while building one of the valley’s most connected communities.
At the helm of the philanthropic organization is Exalted Ruler Michele Voorhees, who stepped into the role last April. Her description of the Lodge’s mission is as straightforward as it gets: “Raise a lot of money, give a lot of money and have fun doing it.”
Hill Climb is one of their largest volunteer efforts each year. “Everything we do is a fundraiser,” Voorhees explained. Proceeds from the cheesesteak booth go directly to the C-V Fund, supporting C-V School with celebrations, clothing and additional resources for students. Every sandwich sold feeds something much bigger than race-day hunger.
And this year, proceeds from the party will, too.
What Is the Elks Lodge?
The Elks are a national fraternal organization with deep philanthropic roots and a strong local presence. The Jackson Hole Lodge currently has more than 800 members and serves as both a social hub and a fundraising engine for the community.
For many members, joining marks a subtle shift in life stage. “If they’ve been in the community for a while, they’re ready to take some time and give back,” Voorhees said—a sentiment she hears from about 90 percent of new members.
For newcomers to Jackson Hole, the Lodge offers something equally valuable: connections. In an increasingly online world, it’s a rare place where conversations happen face-to-face. “When folks swing by the club on weekdays or to watch football,” Voorhees noted, “you’ll look around and there’s nobody on their phone. They’re chatting and getting to know one another.”
Weekly Wednesday Bingo Nights are open to the public and provide an easy way to experience the Lodge firsthand. The Elks also host large public events throughout the year, often partnering with other local organizations—for example, last year’s Halloween bash was put on in collaboration with nonprofit Hole Food Rescue.
How the Jackson Hole Elks Support Local Families
Fundraising isn’t abstract for the Elks; it’s immediate and personal.
“We recently learned of a young man named Kaden,” Voorhees shared. Kaden lost the use of his lower torso and legs and now uses a wheelchair. His physical therapist reached out to the Lodge for help raising funds for a chairlift to install on his truck, along with vehicle modifications that would allow him to regain independence.
The response was swift. The Elks have already raised nearly $5,000 toward that effort.
“This is what we do,” Voorhees said.
From school support to individual families navigating hardship, the Lodge channels its events directly into real-world impact—often quietly, and often without fanfare.
A National Network with a Local Heart
Membership also extends beyond the valley. Elks Lodges exist across the United States, forming a nationwide network that members can access while traveling. Some Lodges sit beachside. Others offer campgrounds or RV hookups. Voorhees knows members who’ve road-tripped in their RVs, parking at Lodges across the country for a small fee and instantly tapping into community wherever they land.
To join the Elks, applicants must be 21 or older, be a U.S. citizen, and believe in a higher power. The process is simple: attend an open event such as Bingo Night, get to know the space, and ask the bartender for an application.
At its core, the Elks Lodge is about shared tables—whether it’s over bingo cards, football games, community celebrations or a cheesesteak at Hill Climb.
In a valley that thrives on connection, it’s a reminder that some of the strongest communities aren’t built online. They’re built in person, shoulder to shoulder, raising money, raising glasses—and raising up their neighbors when it matters most.
This year, the race may be off—but the cheesesteaks are still very much on. Head to the Jackson Hole Elks Lodge on Saturday, March 21, for a Hill Climb–style celebration featuring cheesesteaks starting at 6 p.m., live music from Dangling Chains from 7–10 p.m., and raffle prizes. It’s the same great tradition—just with a new setting.
