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Written by Taz WrightReynolds, PER

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Fort Walton Elks Lodge #1795 recently raised $12,432 from member donations as well as activities such as the lodge’s fourth annual Oktoberfest, held Sept. 20, and other lodge social events. The public was welcome at Oktoberfest, which was held on the lodge patio by the bay water. There were performances by The Polka Dots, The Good Lookings and DJ Tizzy Totten. German bratwursts and sides and German beers were available for purchase. There were feats of strength competitions, such as keg tosses and beer stein challenges. In lieu of admission tickets, the lodge asked for a donation at the door for the Elks National Foundation and children’s charities. The donations from these recent events were presented Sept. 27 at the State President's district visit — $2,616 to Florida Elks Children’s Therapy Services, $9,216 to the Harry-Anna Trust Fund and $600 to the Army of Hope.

Pictured at Oktoberfest are The Polka Dots with Regina Scott, Oktoberfest Chair, and Marcia WrightReynolds, Exalted Ruler and board chair, and Michael “Taz” WrightReynolds, PER, emcee. Pictured at the donation presentation are Jeff Rumler, PDD, Harry-Anna Trust Fund State Chair; Jamie Clemons, Lodge Secretary; Marcia WrightReynolds; and Mike Chandler, State President.

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Written by Lakeland Elks

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On Sept. 5, Lakeland Elks Lodge donated its $3,500 Elks National Foundation Gratitude Grant to Read Lakeland Adult Tutoring. This program offers free tutoring services to adult nonreaders, helping them improve their literacy skills through one-on-one or small group sessions.

Pictured are Devindra Ramdehal, lodge member and works for Read Lakeland; Beth Hasseltinie and Amanda Dunyk of Read Lakeland; and Char Fisher, lodge member.

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Written by West Citrus Elks

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On Sept. 6, West Citrus Elks Lodge #2693 held a sock hop and collected 534 pairs of socks donated by members for The Path, a rescue mission in Beverly Hills, offering shelter and other services.

Pictured are Mike Floch, Exalted Ruler; Debbie Lawrence and Jill Jeroski, House Committee members; Susie Radigan from The Path; and Roxanne Bartosek, House Committee member.

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Written by Tallahassee Elks

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Tallahassee Elks Lodge #937 donated $500 to Magnolia Preschool LLC to help provide scholarships for families needing assistance with registration costs. Magnolia Preschool, a local nonprofit serving about 60 children, offers high-quality preschool education and receives partial state funding. Pictured are Tom Walden, PDD, Lodge Secretary, and Dr. Rosa Skepple, Magnolia Preschool director.

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Written by Deborah Reedy, PER

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On Aug. 9, Jacksonville Elks Lodge #221 hosted a casino night fundraiser for the Brotherhood Ride, an organization that honors the service and sacrifice of first responders. During the evening, the lodge presented a $4,500 donation to Brotherhood Ride founder, Jeff Morris. In addition, the lodge raised another $3,864, a portion of which will be used to provide dinner and breakfast when the Brotherhood Ride visits the lodge Oct. 24. Nine businesses sponsored tables and Mission BBQ donated some of the food.

Pictured are Jeff Morse, Brotherhood Ride founder; Deborah Reedy, PER, Lodge Secretary; Brent Reedy, Exalted Ruler; and Cindy Morse; Brotherhood Ride Secretary.

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Written by Green Cove Springs Elks

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Green Cove Springs Elks Lodge #1892 used $300 of its Elks National Foundation Beacon Grant to host summer story time at Spring Park on the second Saturdays of June, July and August. Officers from the Green Cove Springs Police Department and Clay County Sheriff's Office read to the children and adults and gave tours of the police vehicles. Elks greeted families and distributed snacks. All children ages 4 to 9 received a copy of the book to take home each session.

Pictured Aug. 9 ready to greet guests are members Tracy Carroll, PER, Lodge Grants Coordinator; Wendy Hughson, lodge youth activities chair; Laquetta Willimon, trustee; Greg Hughson, PDD, trustee; Lynn Lemois and Susan Phillips (front row). In the back row are member Mary Bolla, GCSPD Officer Andrew Shore and GCSPD Officer Sarah Gann. Also pictured are story time in the gazebo and GCS Police Chief Hines, GCSPD Officer Shore, GCSPD Officer Gann, and Clay County Sheriff's Deputy Freshour.

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Written by Gainesville Elks

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The Elks Riders of Gainesville Lodge #990 held the Rolling for Hope Ride Sept. 13, which raised $6,100 for Hope Long and her mom, Jackie Long. Jackie told the Riders that this gift will change her life. Elks Rider member Kerstin Roberts stated, "Hope was diagnosed with Rett Syndrome as a baby, followed by cerebral palsy at the age of three. She has continued to face significant medical challenges, most recently enduring a three-month stay in the hospital, adding to her family’s already overwhelming medical expenses. Her mother, Jackie Long, is a breast cancer survivor who has faced her own medical battles and financial strain. This event was our chance to rally together and help ease the burden for this incredible family."

Elks Rider member Kerstin Roberts presents the check to Jackie Long

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Written by Gainesville Elks

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On Aug. 31, Gainesville Elks Lodge #990 hosted bingo games with silent auction and raffles to support Second Chance Pet Rescue, a local pet adoption business. The event, led by member Bernice Porterfield, retired First Class Petty Officer RM1(SW), pictured, raised $1,052.