North Central District

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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.

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Written by Carolyn Robbins

On April 6, Winter Garden Elks Lodge #2165 participated in the downtown Winter Garden Spring Fling. They sold hamburgers and hot dogs and raised $3,000 for the Elks National Foundation.

Pictured are members Joe Fennessey, Brad Moore, Carol Cothern and Gina Denison.

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Written by Suzanne Cunningham

On April 23, six Eustis Anna Miller Circle members and two Eustis Elks met to pack $2,703.54 worth of items for The Haven of Lake and Sumter Counties. They packed 100 children's welcome kits, containing a toothbrush, toothpaste, hand sanitizer, lip gloss, soap, shampoo, tissue packs and handheld toys. They also packed 100 adult welcome kits, containing soap, shampoo, toothbrush, toothpaste, mouthwash, dental floss, deodorant and a shaver. The kits are given to women and their children when they arrive at the safe house. Additionally, 17 birthday kits of cake mix, frosting and candles were donated for mothers to make their child a birthday cake while at the house. The Anna Miller Circle provided $226 worth of items for assault packs for the Haven nurses to provide replacement clothes for rape survivors, which include soap, shampoo, flip-flops, T-shirts, sports bras, underwear, crackers, Gatorade, water and snacks. 

Pictured are Ralph Cerney (Elk), Gwelda Donesky, Patty Mitchell, Beverly Dufresne, Mary Ann Cerney (chair of the Haven Project), Judy Eaton, and Butch Danesky (Elk).

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Written by Suzanne Cunningham

Eustis Lodge’s Anna Miller Circle held its annual auction March 17-24 to raise funds for children in need to attend summer camp at the Florida Elks Youth Camp. Thanks to the support of Circle members, lodge members and the community, they prepared 78 items, which included baskets, antiques and gift certificates. They sold $1,827 worth of tickets and donations. Chair Beverly Dufresne thanks the members who packaged and displayed everything. The lodge sold tickets at every event held during the week preceding the drawing. 

Pictured are the tables full of auction items.