North Central District

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Written by Carolyn Robbins

From Nov. 1 to Dec. 7, Winter Garden Elks Lodge #2165 partnered with the Orange Observer News Reading Reindeer literacy program to collect new books for children. Lodge members donated approximately 50 books for the 12-17 age group. The lodge and Ladies auxiliary also donated $200 each.

Pictured is Ronnie Bradshaw, Exalted Ruler, with Bob Szollosy, Esquire, in the background.

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Written by David Roche

Eustis Elks Lodge #1578 sponsored a Drug Awareness anti-tobacco event at the lodge Oct. 20, put on by the Umatilla chapter of Lake County Students Working Against Tobacco (SWAT). The first-time event was attended by more than 40 youths and their parents and grandparents, as well as Elks volunteers. The lodge provided pizza, soda, water, cupcakes and chips. The event included games, such as the Drug Awareness basketball game and beanbag throw; pumpkin decorating; and the showing of a movie on the lodge’s big screen.

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Written by Inverness Elks

Inverness Elks Lodge member Janet Ysewyn wanted to do something special for her 60th birthday July 7, so she rode a 46-mile bicycle trail, and with the sponsorship of Elks, friends and family, she raised $2,565, which was donated to the Elks National Foundation. She and member Shari Carlson thanked donors by paying for a buffet at the lodge afterward.

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Written by Debbie Ross

Richard Grosnick, PER and ENF Chairman obtained a $2,800 grant from the Elks National Foundation Beacon Grant and member George Wittenzellner donated $60, which was used to buy 154 backpacks and school supplies for children in foster care and children of families in need. On Aug. 8, volunteers stuffed the backpacks and members Richard Grosnick, Jim Kusmaul, Joe Susi and Mike Woythaler delivered them to local schools and to the Foster Parent Association.

Pictured are volunteers who stuffed the backpacks. Kneeling are Richard Grosnick, Elaine Nielson, Maryann Runkle and Janet Ysewyn.  Standing are Cindy Anderson, Jim Manos, Craig Ingram, Carole Ingram, Judy Horton, Judy Flegle, Dick Krause, Carol Graf and Debbie Ross.

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Written by Pam DePriest

On April 30, Winter Garden Elks Lodge’s Exalted Ruler and grant coordinator attended an appreciation breakfast at Dillard Elementary, where they received a certificate of appreciation for the lodge’s partnership with the school. The lodge was recognized for the school supplies and monetary donations they donated throughout the year, using funds from their Elks National Foundation Spotlight Grant. The monetary donations were used to supplement students who could not afford to attend field trips.

Pictured are Tiffiny Smid, principal; Ronnie Bradshaw, Exalted Ruler; Pam DePriest, grant coordinator; Sarah Price, SRO and lodge member; and Melissa St. George, program assistant.