East Central District

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Written by Cristin Rumler

On Oct. 3, Sanford Elks Lodge #1241 participated in the city of Lake Mary’s National Night Out event. This event is an annual community-building campaign that promotes police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie. The lodge gave out information on its upcoming Hoop Shoot, the Americanism essay contest and its Swing 4 Veterans charity golf tournament.

Pictured are Bart Peterson, PDD; Bo Lindstrom, PER; and Lisa Lindstrom, PER, Exalted Ruler.

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Written by Cristin Rumler

On Sept. 18, Sanford Lodge donated school supplies to Tools 4 Seminole Schools, which collects and distributes school supplies and classroom materials to help alleviate the burden from teachers and low-income parents. The store has everything from pencils, notebooks, crayons and glue to tissues, socks and underwear, whatever is needed for students to be in school. The donated supplies were surplus from the lodge’s Family Fun Day and back-to-school supply drive, which was funded by the Elks National Foundation Gratitude and Beacon grant combo for $7,500.

Pictured is Cristin Rumler, lodge grants coordinator, among the school supplies at Tools 4 Seminole Schools.

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Written by Jerry O'Gara, PER

On Sept. 11, Palm Coast Elks Lodge #2709 continued the tradition of gathering to commemorate the sacrifice of those who died and those who responded Sept. 11, 2001. PER Jerry O’Gara was the ceremony producer, member Fred Gleissner was bell coordinator, and member and retired FDNY Lt. Richie Glover was the keynote speaker. PSP Vic McClellan presided over the event and congressional staffer Ashley Cook spoke on behalf of Senator Marco Rubio. Pictured are Elks Jerry DiMenna, master of ceremonies; David Alfin, Palm Coast mayor; Greg Hansen, Flagler County Commissioner; Chief Mark Strobridge, sheriff’s office; and Kyle Berryhill, Palm Coast Fire Chief. Also pictured are attendees, the lodge’s 9/11 monument, Elks in the Pipes and Drums, and the Sheriff's Office and Fire Department Color Guard.

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Written by Debbie Brozyna

On Aug. 8, Ormond Beach Elks Lodge #2193 donated $600 to the Jewish Federation of Volusia and Flagler County. The federation delivered backpacks and teacher supply kits to Ormond Beach Elementary prior to the first day of school.

Pictured are Erika Barger, PDD; Marvin Miller, Jewish Federation president; and Mike Chandler, PDD, Exalted Ruler.

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Written by Frank Kuczkowski, PER

On Aug. 12, Port Orange Elks Lodge #2723 donated $3,382.40 to the First Step Homeless Shelter of Daytona Beach, Florida, from its Elks National Foundation Beacon Grant and the Harry-Anna Investment Fund matching grant. Beacon Grants are awarded to lodges that are actively working to address a need in their community. Port Orange Lodge has been active every month with the First Step Shelter since early 2020, shortly after it opened. The donation will be used to replace five computers.

Pictured at the check presentation during the state president’s visit are Patrick Smith, shelter director of philanthropy & engagement; Victoria Fahlberg, shelter executive director; Joe Cooper, Florida Elks State President; and Russ Smith, Florida Elks Vice President at Large.