The History of the Harry-Anna Investment Fund (HAIF)
The story of the Harry-Anna Investment Fund begins with a vision of compassion, philanthropy, and service that dates back nearly a century. In 1931, Florida Elks leader and future Florida Governor David Sholtz joined forces with Harry R.P. Miller, a prominent Eustis financier and philanthropist, to create a facility dedicated to providing free medical care for children with orthopedic disabilities. Their vision became reality when Harry and his wife, Anna Miller, donated a three-story hotel and several orange groves in Umatilla, Florida, to the Florida State Elks Association. This extraordinary gift became the foundation of the Harry-Anna Home for Crippled Children, later known as the Florida Elks Children's Hospital.
For decades, the hospital served children from throughout Florida, providing specialized care regardless of a family's ability to pay. The generosity of Harry and Anna Miller established a legacy that would become one of the most significant charitable endeavors in the history of the Florida State Elks Association. Their gift was more than a donation of property—it was a commitment to ensuring that Florida's children would have access to life-changing care and opportunities.
As healthcare delivery evolved and the original hospital eventually closed, the mission of the Trust evolved as well. Rather than funding a single facility, the Harry-Anna Trust Fund became the financial cornerstone of the Florida Elks' expanding charitable efforts. For many years, the income generated by the Trust has supported two of the organization's flagship programs: Florida Elks Children's Therapy Services and the Florida Elks Youth Camp. Through these programs, thousands of children have received free in-home occupational and physical therapy services, while countless others have benefited from transformative camp experiences focused on leadership, confidence, and personal growth.
Today, known as the Harry-Anna Investment Fund (HAIF), the organization continues to serve as the long-term funding engine behind the Florida Elks' charitable mission. While Florida Elks for Autism, Children's Therapy Services, Youth Camp, Veterans Services, scholarships, and other initiatives represent the visible impact of the Florida Elks, HAIF serves as the financial foundation that helps make those programs possible. The Fund receives support through charitable contributions, endowed gifts, planned giving, bequests, memorial donations, and other philanthropic investments designed to ensure sustainable funding for future generations.
Looking forward, the Harry-Anna Investment Fund is positioned to play an even greater role in the future of the Florida Elks. As demand for services continues to grow and new opportunities emerge to serve Florida's children, families, veterans, and communities, HAIF represents the organization's commitment to long-term sustainability. The Fund's future vision is to expand its endowment, increase public awareness, attract new generations of donors, and create a legacy that will support Florida Elks charitable programs for decades to come.
The Harry-Anna Investment Fund stands today as a living tribute to Harry and Anna Miller's extraordinary generosity. Their original gift transformed the lives of countless children, and through the continued growth of HAIF, their legacy of compassion, service, and investment in Florida's future continues to thrive nearly a century later.
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