Happy New Year! As we welcome 2025, let us take a moment to reflect on the many blessings in our lives. This past year, many of our Elks and their families endured challenges from the storms that swept through Florida, with damage ranging from minor to severe. In these times, we are reminded of the greatest blessing we share — our family, including our extended Elks family.

We started November with something exciting and new — the first of what will be an annual Florida State Elks Concert Series, held at OCC Road House in Pinellas Park Nov. 2. More than 400 attendees, including many Elks and members of the community, enjoyed a spectacular Bob Seger tribute band. This event was a resounding success, raising more than $15,000 for our major projects: Florida Elks Children’s Therapy Services and the Florida Elks Youth Camp. We look forward to continuing this new tradition with the second annual Florida State Elks Concert Series Nov. 1, 2025! Stay tuned for announcements about ticket sales and the featured tribute band. It promises to be another fantastic evening for a great cause!

The Florida Elks have a proud history of giving back to their communities. One shining example is the Walgreens-Elks Community Gift Drive, which marked its eighth year of bringing joy to families across the Central, West Central, Southwest Central and Southwest districts. This year, 159 Walgreens stores participated, a slight decrease from last year due to storm-related challenges. Nevertheless, the drive was a tremendous success, thanks to the dedication of the Walgreens team members and our amazing Florida Elks elves volunteers who collect and distribute toys. You can read more about this incredible Walgreens-Elks partnership in this magazine issue. This year, we reached the $1 million mark in collected toys, and it is clear that this initiative has brought joy to countless families throughout our communities!

I am thrilled to invite all Elks to our premier statewide fundraiser, the Unmasking Autism Gala’s fifth anniversary, “Florida Elks Standing Strong,” April 26 at the Hilton Bayfront in downtown St. Petersburg. This black-tie event is a highlight of Florida Elkdom, featuring a cocktail reception, dinner, dancing, guest speakers, and live and silent auctions. All net proceeds will support Florida Elks for Autism, a vital program celebrating its first anniversary. This fundraiser demonstrates that Florida Elks are “Standing Strong” to raise awareness for children with autism spectrum disorder and helping ensure they receive the treatment they need. Help children access life-changing diagnostic testing and support services by attending the gala or donating to Florida Elks for Autism. Families receive vital food and lodging assistance during testing, ensuring access to early intervention. Visit unmaskingautism.com to register or donate. Can’t attend? Purchase an autism pin at any lodge for a suggested $5 donation. Lodges can show their support by encouraging members to donate and wear the pin with pride. Together, we can make a difference!

We are immensely grateful to all who have contributed over the years to the success of the Unmasking Autism Gala. Your generosity enables us to provide diagnostic testing and therapy for children in need, making a profound difference in their lives. Special thanks go to the individuals, organizations and businesses who support this event, including Al and Barbara Pareira, longtime staunch supporters of the Florida State Elks Association.

Thank you for “Standing Strong” with us as we continue this important work. As Elks, we know how quickly our calendars fill up. Thank you for your hard work, dedication and unwavering commitment to making Florida Elkdom a force for good. Together, we will continue achieving great things for our communities and the families we serve.

In closing, I would like to extend my heartfelt best wishes to Carl Seibert, FSEA State Secretary and COO, as he embarks on his new journey as Grand Lodge Secretary. Carl’s countless hours of dedication to the Florida State Elks Association, combined with his exceptional expertise and meticulous attention to detail, have left an immeasurable mark on our daily operations, events and meetings. Carl will be deeply missed by all of us. It has truly been an honor and a privilege to work alongside him. Wishing you all the best in this exciting next chapter, Carl. Good luck!

Dan Masi

Development Director