North District

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Written by Live Oak Elks

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On Aug. 23, Live Oak Elks Lodge #1165 donated its $6,000 Elks National Foundation Spotlight Grant to Gary Watson, founder and manager of the Mt. Gilead Baptist Church Food Ministry. For the past 14 years, Mt. Gilead has served families in Suwannee and three surrounding counties. What began with Watson’s early efforts distributing food from the back of his truck became a ministry that fed 16,481 individuals in 2024. On this particular Saturday, 236 families — 665 individuals — received food support.

Pictured with Mt. Gilead Baptist Church members are Cathy Davis, Exalted Ruler, front, presenting the check to Gary Watson, Mt. Gilead Baptist Church Food Ministry manager. Donald Watson, PDD is pictured in the second row on the far left. Taking the picture is Lori Watson, Lodge Grant Coordinator.

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Written by Lake City Elks

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Lake City Elks Lodge #893 donated $525 Aug. 21 as a reimbursement for the Summer Nights program, presented by the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office School Resource Division. This program provided a variety of family-friendly activities throughout the summer, including Friday night events with cornhole, bounce houses and more. Highlights also included the inaugural Beyond the Badge summer camp, where local teens had the opportunity to explore careers in law enforcement, and two Summer Slam basketball events for students ages 11-17. To wrap up the season, the program hosted a backpack giveaway for elementary and middle school students.

Pictured are Deputy Jillian Hodges and Corporal Kimberly Ray of the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office; Pam Hartopp, Loyal Knight; and Roger Little Jr., member.

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Written by Renee Williams

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On Aug. 23, 14 Lake City Elks Lodge members participated in an AED (automated external defibrillator) training session at the lodge, led by Wes Hunter, STAT Medical Training director. STAT Medical Training is a group of health care providers throughout North Florida who deliver medical training to meet the requirements set by clients’ employers, college programs and professional agencies. The class was both informative and hands-on, giving participants greater confidence in responding to emergencies. Members Pam Hyde and Bebe Willis assisted the lodge in securing a $1,400 grant from their employer, Nutrien, a global provider of crop inputs and services, which helped pay for the lodge’s new AED machine. In lieu of payment to STAT for their training, the lodge made a $350 donation to the Fort White High School HOSA program. Health Occupations Students of America is a student-led organization that helps prepare future health professionals through leadership, service and hands-on learning. At Fort White High in Fort White, the program gives students opportunities to build health care skills, engage in community service and explore careers in the medical field. This partnership not only strengthened the lodge’s preparedness but also supported students in their journey toward health care careers.

Pictured are Jerry Solenski, Leading Knight; Wes Hunter, STAT Medical Training director; Scott Carroll, PER; Chris Samson, PER; Ginny Smith, member; Brandy Meeks, lodge and Lady Elk-Mates member; Chris Williams, PDD; Barbara Hollingsworth, PDD; Sarah Lippi, member; Stanley Cox, PDD; Angela Cox, Lodge Secretary; and Renee Williams, Exalted Ruler.

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Written by Lake City Elks

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On April 15, using a $3,000 Elks National Foundation Beacon Grant, Lake City Lodge funded incentives for Columbia High School’s Stripes program, which promotes academic excellence, positive behavior and student engagement. With the funds, the school purchased Apple AirPods to reward students who met program goals. The impact was immediate and appreciated, helping to motivate students while reinforcing the value of hard work and good citizenship.

Pictured are Renee Williams, Exalted Ruler; Doug Peeler, assistant principal; and Stanley Cox, PDD, Lodge Treasurer. Also pictured are student recipients of the AirPods and Columbia High School principal and lodge member, Trey Hosford

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Written by Perry Elks

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On May 9, the Elks Riders of Perry Lodge #1851 fired up the smokers and raised $643 for the Taylor County Guardian ad Litem program through the sale of smoked pork butts! The Guardian ad Litem program advocates in the court system for the best interests of children who are abused, neglected or abandoned. Volunteers serve as the voice for these children, helping ensure they have a safe, stable and permanent home.

Pictured are Audie Towles, member; Clayton Huff, PER, Elks Riders Vice President; and Herb Clayton, Elks Riders president.