North Central District

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Written by Arcadia Elks

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On Sept. 20, Arcadia Elks Lodge #1524 held its annual Brotherhood Ride fundraising event and raised more than $13,000 for families of first responders who have died in the line of duty. All items including food were donated from the community for the event. There was a 50/50 raffle and a live auction with an auctioneer and items including handmade cornhole boards, homemade cakes and pies, and quilts. Local businesses and members also donated for the cause. The ride is an annual cycling event where participants honor fallen first responders by raising funds for their families through a challenging multiday group ride. The lodge has organized this event for the past eight years, raising more than $120,000. Ricky Mercer, PER, a longtime member, has participated in the ride for several years and helps to lead fundraising efforts.

Pictured is a stand-up banner at the lodge featuring fallen first responders.

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Written by David Roche

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On Sept. 23, Eustis Elks participated in a community block party at Triangle Elementary School in Tavares. Members hosted a table highlighting the lodge’s Drug Awareness program and gave out Eustis Elks suckers, pencils, rulers and coloring books. They also gave out Elks brochures featuring programs such as Drug Awareness, Red Ribbons, Florida Elks Youth Camp, Florida Elks Children’s Therapy Services and Hoop Shoot. The event was attended by school staff members and approximately 300 students and their parents.

Pictured is the lodge stand-up sign with giveaway items on the table.

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Written by Lisa Savitt

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On Aug. 7, Inverness Elks Lodge #2522 completed its 12th annual Backpacks for Success back-to-school program for Citrus County and area schools. This year, they provided backpacks and supplies for 207 students. This project was funded using the Elks National Foundation Beacon Grant.

Pictured are 15 members who helped with the project.

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Written by Venetta Valdengo

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The Eustis Elks Lodge’s Anna Miller Circle conducted a fundraising auction March 16-24 to send local children in need to summer camp at the Florida Elks Youth Camp. There were 49 auction items, including alcohol gift baskets, home goods and gift certificates. The total profits were $2,378, which will cover almost 11 children. The Elks worked closely with the Anna Miller Circle to allow auction ticket sales at their lodge meeting, the charity barbecue and St. Patrick's Day event. The committee was chaired by Cindy Bennet, Joyce Denzer and Andrea Fernandez.

Pictured with the auction items are Nell Tingue, Anna Miller Circle member, and Cindy Gunther, lodge member.

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Written by Carolyn Robbins

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On March 15, Winter Garden Elks used funds from its Elks National Foundation Gratitude Grant to purchase a $600 commercial deep fryer, meats, cheese, plates and bowls for the Russell Home for Atypical Children in Orlando. The nonprofit facility provides care for severely disabled children in a home-like setting.

Pictured are Ronnie Bradshaw, Exalted Ruler; Pam DePriest, Grant Coordinator; and Bob Szollosy, PER. Also pictured are Ronnie Bradshaw and Mark Wallick, PER with the fryer and supplies.