South District

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Written by Key West Elks

On Dec. 15, Key West Elks Lodge #551 presented a $10,000 check to the Autism Society of the Keys using its Elks National Foundation Beacon and Spotlight grants as well as the Florida State Elks Association matching Beacon Grant. All the money stays local to help children with autism.

Pictured are Donald Curry, Exalted Ruler; Sean T. Brandenburg, police chief; Secretary, Helen Garcia; Officer, Matt Haley; Volunteer Coordinator, Hope Haley; Jill Campbell, executive director of the Autism Society, and her son, Craig Campbell; and Dennis Wardlow, Leading Knight.

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Written by Key West Elks

Key West Elks Lodge #551 held its first golf tournament at Key West Golf Course Aug. 7 and hosted 92 players. The event had 41 sponsors. The committee chairs were Fredy Varela, Lodge Esquire, and Dennis Wardlow, Leading Knight, and 11 other members assisted during the event. Prizes were given to the winners, which included lots of community participation. Hot dogs and refreshments during the event were donated by Centennial Bank and a buffet lunch was provided by El Siboney Restaurant. The tournament raised $12,000, which will be used to give back to the lodge's local charities. Since the event was such a success, the lodge has decided to continue it annually.

Pictured are Fredy Varela and Dennis Wardlow, committee chairs. Also pictured are various golfers.

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Written by Florida Keys Elks

Florida Keys Elks Lodge #1872 held its eighth annual Ladies Dolphin Tournament June 10-11. More than 90 anglers from around the country participated. This event is the lodge's largest fundraiser of the year, with all proceeds going to various charities, including the Elks National Foundation, the Harry Anna Trust Fund and the Vets on the Water program. Thanks to the year-long promotions and the tremendous support from local sponsors in the Middle Keys, the lodge raised more than $30,000. The grand champions, No Tan Lines, won the top prize of $3,000 with a combined weight total of 65.4 pounds. The second place winners were Angler Eddy’s, who won $1,500 with 42.3 pounds. The third place team, Blue Heaven, won $1,000 with 30.4 pounds. Mia Diaz won $1,000 for the largest dolphin caught, at 25.8 pounds. Callie Diehl, 14-year-old from Lakeland, Florida, caught the largest dolphin by a junior angler, at l6.7 pounds. All winners were also awarded trophies and other prizes. This event takes many volunteers and a lot of hard work throughout the year. The event coordinators were Diane Harbaugh, honorary life member, and Denny Tarbell, PDD, Lodge Advisor.

Pictured are Sandra Nikitich of Islamorada and Christina Veath of Tavernier, grand champions; Mia Diaz of Miami, who caught the largest dolphin; and Callie Diehl with Mate Jesse Hall and Captain Skye Stanley.

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Written by Laz Suarez

On May 31, Miami Elks Lodge #948 donated a trailer-load of school supplies courtesy of Florida Elks Charities to the Belafonte TACOLCY (The Advisory Committee of Liberty City Youth) Center in Miami, Florida. Laz Suarez, Florida State Elks Association Marketing Manager and Miami Lodge member, was given a tour of the facility. According to its website, the TACOLCY center reaches over 5,000 youth and parents annually and is a nonprofit organization in Liberty City (a neighborhood in Miami) offering “a safe haven where children, youth, young adults, families and mentors come together in a variety of activities to strengthen the bonds and skills that produce healthy, educated, confident and compassionate leaders of tomorrow.”

Pictured are a staff member; Laz Suarez; a staff member; and Shownda Pagan, TACOLCY Center CEO.

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Written by Florida Keys Elks

On Nov. 14, Florida Keys Lodge held its lodge-level Soccer Shoot and hosted 40 community children from ages 5 to 14. Six participants moved on to the district competition and two placed first to go on to the state Soccer Shoot Jan. 8.

Pictured are Soccer Shoot volunteers Morgan Sayre, Jennifer Belz, Kristina Landino and Nishith Bryan.