North Central District

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Written by Suzanne Cunningham

The Eustis Anna Miller Circle held its annual auction fundraiser from March 19 to March 26. Funds raised totaled $1,919 and will be used to send local children in need to the Florida Elks Youth Camp for summer camp and will also be used for other worthy causes. Donations were accepted starting one month before the auction. New items or very gently used items, antique items and gift certificates were solicited from members, friends and the community. Cindy Bennett, chair, and her committee, Joyce Denzer and Chris Getchell, prepared themed gift baskets with the donated items. The auction had 35 gift baskets, 25 single items and two gift cards. More than 100 volunteer hours were worked by the Circle members. The lodge allowed them to sell tickets at every event held at the lodge that week.

Pictured are items on display. Beverly Dufresne, Anna Miller President; Cindy Bennett, event chairperson; and Maryann Cerney, Anna Miller member, are pictured drawing the winners.

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Written by Suzanne Cunningham

When the Eustis Anna Miller Circle became aware that Haven of Lake and Sumter Counties was in need of two new stoves and a replacement bunk bed for one that had broken at their safe house, the membership voted to pay for these items and to provide funds for bus passes to aid in clients’ transportation issues. The total donation was $3,025 and the donations were delivered March 25. 

Pictured March 27 with the donated items, which were put to immediate use, are Maryann Cerney, chair of the Circle’s Haven Project; Guelda Danesky, Circle Haven committee member; and Reena Wheeler, Haven donation coordinator.

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Written by Suzanne Cunningham

On Feb. 11, the Anna Miller Circle of Eustis Elks Lodge #1578 held its annual cake auction to raise funds for the Harry-Anna Trust Fund to benefit Florida Elks Children's Therapy Services and the Florida Elks Youth Camp. More than 45 cakes, pies and other beautiful desserts were displayed for auction. Ron Locke, PDD, Exalted Ruler, was the auctioneer while Beverly Dufresne, Anna Miller board member, displayed the cakes and collected the donations. With the money raised from the auction and the willingness of Locke and Colleen Gallant, PDD, Florida Elks Children’s Therapy Services Director, to take a whipped cream pie to the face for donations, a total of $3,025 was raised. 

Pictured are the dessert table and attendees.

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Written by Karyl Loux

Using its $3,000 Elks National Foundation Gratitude Grant and $122 from the lodge charity account, Eustis Elks Lodge #1578 provided Rifton Compass Chairs and accessories to students with special needs at Lake Hills School in Howey-in-the-Hills, Florida. This school serves a 100% disabled population in Lake County, Florida. The chairs increase the posture and safety of both the students and the staff who assist them to and from their mobility chairs. Pictured Feb. 14 are Dee Borwegen, lodge trustee; Robin Myers, principal; and Bo Borwegen, PER, lodge trustee.

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Written by Eustis Elks

On Dec. 10 Eustis Lodge held its annual children’s Christmas party for Elks children and grandchildren as well as for Florida Elks Children’s Therapy Services patients and underprivileged local children. There were nearly 100 children in attendance. Santa and Mrs. Claus (members Glen and Daisy Waterman) and their elf (member Darla Orr) were there and Santa gave gifts to all the children. There were games and crafts, too. The Drug Awareness Committee gave out Elks Drug Awareness coloring books, lodge Drug Awareness pencils and crayons, all in Elks Drug Awareness bags. Lunch was provided to everyone. The party was funded by the lodge charity account.

Pictured are three children visiting with Santa and Mrs. Claus.