South District

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Written by Miami Elks

Shalotte Mills, school administrator at Mandarin Lakes K-8 Academy in Homestead, Florida, requested assistance from Miami Lodge. The school is located next to a homeless shelter and migrant camp, and the school has many students who cannot afford basic necessities. On Dec. 8, the lodge provided toiletries, uniforms and sneakers using funds from its Elks National Foundation Gratitude Grant.

Pictured are Bill Bang, PER Exalted Ruler; Jennene Ricard, lodge member; and Shalotte Mills, school administrator.

While in Homestead, Miami Lodge assisted Candice Myles, community relationship manager for the Chapman Partnership, by donating toiletries, uniforms, sneakers, socks and underwear using the Elks National Foundation Gratitude Grant.

Pictured are Sharon Weiss, lodge member; Gilbert Serein of Chapman Partnership; and Bill Bang, PER, Exalted Ruler.

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Written by Miami Elks

On Nov. 15, Miami Lodge assisted The Village (FREE)DGE in Miami, an organization started by Sherina Jones South, a Florida business owner. She set up community refrigerators outside of local businesses that are accessible 24/7 and filled with fresh foods for those in need. The organization’s motto is "Take What You Need, Leave Something for Others.” The lodge held a Thanksgiving food drive in the lounge with live music and collected food to stock the (FREE)DGEs.

Pictured are Bill Bang, PER, Exalted Ruler; Sharon Weiss, lodge member; and the staff of The Village (FREE)DGE.

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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.