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Written by Cristin Rumler

Sanford Lodge has been assisting Lake Nona VA in starting a therapeutic garden at their facility for veterans with PTSD and experiencing homelessness. On March 5, members set up irrigation and on March 20, members began weeding and preparing the soil. This is one of three gardens the lodge hopes to complete at this location. This has been done with donations from members and local businesses.

Pictured is Bart Peterson, PDD, weeding.

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Written by Susan Slater

On Feb. 15, Zephyrhills Elks Lodge Activities Committee members Gwen Klamer and Cindy Pinto hosted a Mardi Gras party to raise funds for the Harry-Anna Trust Fund. On Feb. 20, lodge members went by bus to the Florida Elks Youth Camp to present the proceeds of $1,200.

Pictured is Beth Ipson, Harry-Anna Trust Fund Chair, with the raffle baskets at the Mardi Gras party. Also pictured in front of the lodge members are Beth Ipson; Elliott Gilbert, Assistant Camp Director; and Karl Finnimore, Exalted Ruler.

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Written by Billie Porche

On Feb. 7, Lakeland Elks Lodge #1291 held a fundraiser at the lodge to benefit the SPCA of Lakeland. Attendees were asked to bring either cat and dog food, peanut butter, cat and dog treats, or a cash donation. The event collected $5,000 and 1,018 pounds of cat and dog food, 13 pounds of peanut butter, and 41 pounds of cat and dog treats.

Pictured are Jo Hendon, member; Randy Richter, with the SPCA; Sandy Fuschetti, member; and Michelle Schlaack, trustee.

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Written by Patty Volpe

Tampa Elks Lodge #708 is using its Elks National Foundation Beacon Grant as well as the $4,000 matching grant funds from the Harry-Anna Trust Fund to sponsor the Motivated Mustangs Club at Madison Middle School in Tampa. The club’s mission is to work with select students to improve attendance and behavior issues, focusing on developing a sense of belonging to the school. Students who believe they belong do better in attendance and grades.

The March 11 meeting’s theme was dreams and goals. After eating some breakfast sandwiches from McDonald’s, they discussed as a group the definition of motivation. Then the club members wrote their 10-year or 20-year dreams. They spent another 10 minutes writing potential actions to help meet one of the goals, what they could do to help reach it and why it mattered. Lastly, they spent 10 minutes on accountability, writing things they need to stop doing, start doing and continue doing to achieve their dream.

At every club meeting, a $25 Walmart gift card is given as an attendance award. Students get one raffle ticket when they attend the club meeting and another if they are wearing their club shirt. They also get a ticket if they wear their club shirt on any Tuesday that is not a club day and show the school social worker. Students can earn up to five tickets per month.

Pictured are club member Nevaeh, who won the gift card, and Laura Bell and Carolyn Miller. Also pictured are lodge volunteers Carolyn Miller, Betty Orcutt, Laura Bell, Patty Volpe, PER Shelagh Gombarcik, Melissa Bertoch and Bonnie Atwood.

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Written by Carmen Rivera

Orlando Elks Lodge participated in the annual Elks Drug Awareness poster contest, an initiative to educate and empower young minds to make positive choices. This year’s theme, "Throw Away Drugs — Not Your Future," encouraged students to express their understanding of the dangers of drug abuse through creativity and art. The top 13 winners were students from Waterford Elementary School, with support from Principal Danielle Arbae-Willis and art teacher Donna Lindsay. First place winner, third grader Celestia Lee, won $100 and expressed that "drugs belong in the garbage and should never be given to children or families." Second place winner, third grader Vivienne Emerson, won $75. She showcased her school pride by illustrating the school’s lion mascot as a hero, protecting students and keeping drugs away. Third place winner, fourth grader Jagger Bohne, won $50. She created a striking visual to demonstrate how "Drugs are Death," emphasizing the road to destruction, despair and death. She shared that while she has never personally experienced this issue, she has seen its impact through news and social media, referencing the loss of former One Direction member Liam Payne.

On Feb. 24, a ceremony was held at the school to honor the winners. Each child received a gift bag filled with school supplies, affirmation cards and trophies. However, the biggest excitement came from the one-year free ice cream gift card, generously donated by Carlos Rivera, manager of Wendy’s #1171. Students enjoyed refreshments, snacks and cookies. PER Dale Schmit donated five dozen chocolate chip cookies for the school staff and children.

The Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks remains committed to raising awareness through poster, writing and video contests that engage America’s youth in understanding the dangers of drug abuse. Carmen Rivera, lodge trustee and chair of the Drug Awareness poster contest, shared, “As a parent, grandparent and retired law enforcement officer, I understand the importance of protecting our children from the dangers that lurk in our communities. We must work together to keep our kids safe and ensure that they throw away drugs — not their future. The Orlando Elks Lodge 1079 takes great pride in leading this mission in our beloved City Beautiful, Orlando.”

Pictured with the top three winners are Victor Berrios, Exalted Ruler; Jennifer Hicks, vice principal; Carmen Rivera, contest chair; Donna Lindsay, art teacher; Dale Schmit, PER; and Corporal Werner, Orange County Sheriff Office. Also pictured is Carlos Rivera, Wendy’s manager.

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Written by Anthony D'Abbraccio

One of the Gary Sinise Foundation’s programs, with help from its partners, builds specially adapted smart homes for severely wounded veterans. On Jan. 21, Parrish Elks Lodge members Clark and LouAnn Christensen, Dawn Watkins, Ken Knight, and Anthony D'Abbraccio attended a ceremony at Parrish's Twin River subdivision for wounded U.S. Marine Corps Lance Corporal (Ret.) John “JT” Doody. His home, currently under construction, will be a custom, smart-technology home with features that will give him greater autonomy and independence while giving his mother, Christine, who lives with him, peace of mind. A Sinise Foundation senior member shared JT's story and thanked him for his service, and attendees wrote messages of gratitude, love and appreciation on the walls of JT's home. On Feb. 5, the lodge approved a motion to purchase a brick for $250 to be placed at the base of JT's flagpole. Brick donations help offset the house construction costs.

Pictured are JT Doody in a van and a group picture during the event.