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Southeast Central District
Port St. Lucie Elks Donate $10,000 to Baron Academy
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- Written by Port St. Lucie Elks
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On Sept. 6 during the State President’s luncheon at Port St Lucie Elks Lodge #2658, the lodge donated $10,000 from its bingo account to Baron Academy, a private nonprofit school that serves children with autism and related developmental differences. As the only school of its kind in St. Lucie County, it fills a critical gap for families seeking a structured, compassionate and evidence-based educational environment tailored to their children’s needs.
Pictured are William Ripoli, PER; Artie Lander, Exalted Ruler; Kristine Erice, Director; Matthew Saxton, CFO; and Caroline and Mike Smith, first lady and State President.
Viera Elks Collect School Supplies for Friends of Children of Brevard
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- Written by Becky Wills
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In early August, Viera Elks Lodge began collecting back-to-school supplies from lodge members. Quickly, two extra-large boxes and a table began filling up. On Aug. 22, the lodge presented more than 300 items to Friends of Children of Brevard. This group supports the nearly 1,000 children in the foster system in Brevard County. Their mission is to support children who have been abused, abandoned or neglected. They give financial help for their basic needs and back those who advocate for them.
Pictured are Dave Smith, Friends of Children of Brevard president, and Mark Harrell, Exalted Ruler.
Cocoa Beach Elks Lodge Hosts Vintage Sale
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- Written by Susan Janes
- Hits: 150
On Aug. 2, Cocoa Beach Lodge held a vintage indoor sale. Members of the lodge and community rented tables to display their wares for purchase. Throughout the day, customers came in to browse and shop. This event raised $219 for the Harry-Anna Trust Fund.
Pictured are members Kay Johnson, PER Alan Harrell and Jane Adams, and Carolyn Isbell.
Cocoa Beach Elks & Antlers Hold School Supply Drive
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- Written by Susan Janes
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Cocoa Beach Elks, in conjunction with the Space Coast Antlers, collected school supplies from July 10 to Aug. 10 for Roosevelt Elementary in Cocoa Beach.
Antlers pictured with supplies are Jaden Haddock, Tristan Livingood, Leo Haddock and Liam Russell.
Susan Janes, Secretary, delivered the supplies to Principal Paige Trosset and Assistant Principal Jonathan Bolitho, along with $200 from lodge fundraisers for the school’s Angel Fund, which makes sure students who don’t have lunch money can still receive a lunch.
Stuart-Jensen Elks' Christmas-in-July Event Collects Toys for Local Organization
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- Written by Suzi Simonelli, PSP
- Hits: 81
Stuart-Jensen Elks Lodge #1870 held its annual Christmas-in-July event July 26 and held a toy drive for Elev8hope. Members were asked to bring a new, unwrapped toy to get an early start on collecting new toys for the upcoming holiday season. Nearly 80 members and guests attended the event, and some members who couldn’t attend donated toys ahead of time. The estimated value of the toys was over $1,000.
Pictured collecting toys at the event are AJ Hurd, Lodge Treasurer, and Joey Simonelli, PER, Exalted Ruler. Also pictured is Kathy Carroll from Elev8hope picking up the toys at the lodge, with help from Hurd.