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Umatilla, FL 32784-0049
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Our Military & Veterans
Veterans Receive Holiday Gifts from Bradenton Elks
- Details
- Written by Bob Erwin, PDD
The Bradenton Elks Lodge Veterans Committee and members who gave gifts, with the assistance of the Blessing Bags Project, a local nonprofit organization serving Manatee and Sarasota counties and the Sun Key Villages, a Palmetto community, delivered $3,500 in personal and comfort items to the C.W. Bill Young Veterans’ housing facility.
Pictured are Betsy Plant from the Blessing Bags Project; Bill Rauh, Lodge Veterans Chair; and Barbara Bouchard of Sun Key Villages.
Parrish Elks Participate in Two Wreaths Across America Events
- Details
- Written by Anthony D'Abbraccio
On Dec. 15, members of Parrish Elks Lodge #2889 took part in two Wreaths Across America events. At noon, members assisted the American Legion Auxiliary Unit 325 in laying their 1,700 wreaths at veterans’ graves at Mansion Memorial Cemetery in Ellenton. At 3 p.m., lodge members, along with Parrish High School's Key Club members, laid wreaths at 87 veterans’ graves at Parrish Cemetery in Parrish.
Members pictured at Mansion Memorial Cemetery are Anthony D'Abbraccio, Dennis O'Hare, Ken Knight, Chris O'Hare, Kim Bahlke, Sherri Crunk-Gumbs and LeeAnn Mitchell.
Bonita Springs-Estero Elks Entertain Veterans at Jacobson House
- Details
- Written by Shirley Thompson
On Nov. 29, Bonita Springs-Estero Elks Lodge #2753 volunteers went to the Jacobson House to entertain the veterans with karaoke singers. They also brought $500 worth of handmade blankets along with toothbrushes, toothpaste, crossword puzzle books and socks.
Karaoke singers pictured in the front are Phil Boucher, Phyliss Steelsmith, Pete Thompson and Steve Neelin as veterans watch from the audience. Frank LaBletta told jokes.
Sanford Elks Swing 4 Veterans
- Details
- Written by Cristin Rumler
Sanford Elks Lodge #1241 hosted its first Swing 4 Veterans charity golf tournament Oct. 29. The tournament was held at the Mayfair Country Club in Sanford and had 121 players, including members and nonmembers. There were 32 hole sponsors and six corporate sponsors. The event raised $10,147 to support the lodge’s various veterans programs.
Pictured are a golfer swinging in front of a sponsor sign and a general view of players and golf carts.
Zephyrhills Elks Lodge Veterans Committee Donates Produce to Healing Heart
- Details
- Written by Ken Fabiani, PER
On Nov. 2, the Zephyrhills Elks Lodge Veterans Committee donated 30 pounds of fruits and vegetables to Healing Heart soup kitchen. Healing Heart feeds veterans without homes as well as others in the community and also has a laundry facility. Ken Fabiani, PER, Veterans Chair, has been helping for the past two years.
Sebring Elks Participate in Veterans Council of Highlands County Veterans Day Events
- Details
- Written by Ronna Mason, PER
On Nov. 11, the Veterans Council of Highlands County honored veterans with a parade and day of events. Vendors, bands, JROTC color guards and local organizations were in attendance at Fireman's Field in Sebring, Florida. Sebring Elks veteran Bert Horwitz, left, rode in a convertible along with trustee Ron Schilffarth. The car owner and driver was member Bob Alley. Brenda Walton, Lodge Veterans Services Chair, worked at the Elks tent, where there were brochures, pictures of charity events and applications available. Pictured with Brenda are two unnamed visitors.
Lakewood Ranch-Sarasota Elks Host Open House Luncheon for Veterans
- Details
- Written by JoAnn Reddy
In celebration of Veterans Day, Lakewood Ranch-Sarasota Lodge #2855 held an open house luncheon, with all veterans invited and given a free lunch and drink. The event served 54 veterans, both members and nonmembers.
Tom Sweeney, Lodge Veterans Services Chair, second from right, is pictured with four area veterans.
Fort Pierce Elks Make Two Monthly Donations to Veterans' Facilities
- Details
- Written by Ginny Young
On Oct. 13, Fort Pierce Elks Lodge #1520 donated $150 worth of food items for the Ardie R. Copas Veterans Nursing Home. Items were used for their cart and candy fall festival gift bags, serving 43 residents. Pictured are Sherika Ayers, activities director/therapy aide supervisor, and Rod Dally, PER, Veterans Chair.
On Oct. 20, Fort Pierce Lodge donated $535 worth of food items to the West Palm Beach VA Healthcare System. Pictured are Rod Dally, PER, Veterans Chair; Machelle Jackson, volunteer service specialist; and volunteer Michelle Toussaint.
Lakewood Ranch-Sarasota Elks Write Thank You Notes to Veterans Returning from Parade of Heroes
- Details
- Written by JoAnn Reddy
Members of Lakewood Ranch-Sarasota Lodge #2855 wrote and sent 100 thank you letters to be delivered to veterans coming home from the Parade of Heroes, held Nov. 12 in Washington, D.C.
Pictured are members Laurie Webber, Ron Webber, Faith Frost and Tracey Lapera writing thank you cards.
Naples Elks Lodge Makes Donation to Warrior Homes of Collier County Delta House
- Details
- Written by Naples Elks
On Oct. 17, Naples Elks Lodge #2010 donated its $2,000 Elks National Foundation Spotlight Grant for the Warrior Homes of Collier County Delta House at the ribbon-cutting. Delta House is a building set up for service members to help them with living quarters and expenses. The donation will be used to purchase many of the needed items to furnish rooms for veterans.
Pictured are Richard Lazell, lodge member and veteran; Brian Kamp, lodge grant coordinator; and Dale Mullen, President of Warrior Homes.
Sebring Elks Veterans Committee Provides Gas Cards for Local Veterans
- Details
- Written by Ronna Mason, PER
Using the Elks National Foundation Beacon Grant, the Sebring Lodge Veterans Services Committee donated 54 $25 gas cards Oct. 24 to the he Highlands County Veterans Services for local veterans who can't afford gas for their everyday use as well as drive to the VA doctors, who are located 2 1/2 hours away.
Pictured are Lodge Veterans Services Committee officers Brenda Walton, Chair; Michelle Rigterink; and Stephanie Ridgley.
Sebring Elks Receive Awards During Veterans Council of Highlands County Luncheon
- Details
- Written by Ronna Mason, PER
On Oct. 17, the Veterans Council of Highlands County held its first awards luncheon. Bert Horwitz, PDD was named Sebring Elks Veteran of the Year and Ronna Mason, PER was named Sebring Elks Non-Veteran of the Year. Pictured are Lodge Veterans Services Committee members: Ronna Mason, PER; Brenda Walton; Bert Horwitz, PDD; Diane Morse; and Ron Schilffarth. Walton presented 50 $40 Publix gift cards to Glenn West, council president. They will be given to veterans in need to go along with turkeys for their Thanksgiving meal, which is being provided by the council. The cards were purchased using the Elks National Foundation Gratitude Grant.