North Central District

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Written by Suzanne Cunningham

The Eustis Anna Miller Circle #1578 held its annual charity fashion show Oct. 28. More than 100 tickets were sold for this event, where they showcased fall fashions worn by eight Anna Miller models. Each model wore three different outfits: casual, cruise wear and evening dressy, which they selected from the Fashion Labels store in Leesburg, Florida. A salad bar lunch was donated by Anna Miller members. The event raised approximately $1,200 for Florida Elks Children's Therapy Services.

Pictured are Julie Kopplow; Andrea Fernandez; Joyce Collier; Anna Boykin; Beverly Dufresne, Ladies President; Bonnie Driver; Kathy Mitchell; and Sharon Feador.

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Written by Suzanne Cunningham

On Oct. 10, volunteers from the Eustis Anna Miller Circle packed numerous items for The Haven of Lake and Sumter Counties, which totaled $3,311.10. The donation included 100 welcome packs for women (1-quart bags which include soap, shampoo, toothbrush, toothpaste, mouthwash, deodorant, dental floss, lotion, razor and more) and 100 welcome kits for children that include similar items as well as lip gloss, hand sanitizer, tissue packs and a small toy. The packs are given to women and children when they first arrive at the Haven's safe house as domestic assault survivors. The ladies also provided items for sexual assault survivors, which include sweatpants, T-shirts, flip-flops, sports bras, underwear, soaps, shampoos, cases of water, Gatorade, and crackers and snacks. The nurses provide the clothing to survivors to replace the clothes they must give for evidence. Additionally, 13 birthday packs of cake mix, frosting and candles were provided for mothers to bake a cake for their child while staying in the safe house. Full-size items were also donated, including toothpaste, soap, handmade children’s blankets, multivitamins, aspirin, pillows and more. The Haven provides crucial services to abused women and their children as well as rape survivors. They offer extensive programs to help survivors with housing, food and classes as well as assistance in transitioning to a safer life. They help the children in both school and legal settings as advocates in  the children's time of need.

Pictured are Kathy Mitchell; Mary Ann Cerney; Ralph Cerney, Elk; Beverly Dufresne, President; and Judy Eaton. Not pictured is Suzanne Cunningham, who took the picture.

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Written by David Clayton

On Sept. 24, Field #1 at the Big Sun Soccer League Facility was abuzz with excitement as 16 members and guests of Ocala Elks Lodge #286 hosted the first Soccer Shoot in years. The day was filled with the thrill of competition, accompanied by the cheers of friends, family and Elk volunteers. Ranging in age from 8 to 15, 59 children showcased their talents, reminding everyone of the joy and excitement such long-standing events bring to the community. The first-place winners will go on to compete at the regional soccer shoot. Central to the Elks mission is a focus on youth development. The soccer shoot provided a platform for young players to hone their skills, learn the values of teamwork and perseverance, and experience the camaraderie intrinsic to the sport. The successful reintroduction of the Soccer Shoot represents one of the first steps the lodge leadership has taken to reestablish the lodge in the community.

Pictured is third place winner of his age category, Matthew C., with his family as well as kicking a ball. He is the grandson of Becky Long, PSP-FLOE and Andy Long, PDD.

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Written by Carolyn Robbins

When several members of Winter Garden Elks Lodge #2165 attended church at Starke Lake Baptist Church in Ocoee, Florida, they noticed the church’s deteriorating flagpole that needed to be replaced and have a light kit added. Wally Hatch, PER; Ronnie Bradshaw, Byrd Severance, PER, District Vice President; Mark Wallick, PER; Scott Moore and Rusty Johnson used their own money to purchase the flagpole and light kit for approximately $800. In the early morning on July 29, they installed it without the church pastor knowing. Carolyn Robbins, Exalted Ruler, said the pastor “was amazed, he talked about the flag pole every Sunday after they installed it. How proud he was to have members that cared so deeply about their Country and the Church. He is always talking about the Elks, he visits us on our steak night in Winter Garden 2165. The pastor tells the church members what a great group and how we are always ready to help. He talks about our great partnership with the community and how we have reached out to members in his church when in need. He has told me himself the Elks have great members and what great teamwork we have.”

Pictured in front of the church is the new flagpole lit up by the light kit.

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Written by Carole Ingram

On May 8, the Inverness Elks Lodge bingo committee presented a $500 check to Inverness Boy Scout Troop 302. The troop is using the donation for transportation to summer scout camp. The troop is involved with helping the community whenever they receive a request and is very active in helping the lodge with functions and care of the facilities.

Bingo committee members pictured are Tom Richards, Jack Trafalski, John Colasanti and Tim Hughes; Steve Epple, scoutmaster; and Carl Gutekunst bingo committee member. Not pictured are John Miller, Jim Bell and Jim Lawler.