South District

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Written by Florida Keys Elks

Ray Lozano, CEO of Prevention Plus, spoke to nearly 1,800 students in sixth through 12th grades along with parents, adults, teachers, administration members and Florida Keys Elks Lodge members. Lozano brought his knowledge and humor to the stage and educated the audience on the dangers of vaping, marijuana, THC, and addiction and the impact they have on our bodies and minds during this three-day event. Since 1986, Ray Lozano has educated and entertained thousands of students in hundreds of middle schools and high schools from Alaska to Florida as well as the Cayman Islands and Bermuda. These presentations were made possible by State Drug Awareness Chair, Denny Tarbell, PDD, Florida Keys Lodge member.

Pictured are Ray Lozano; Denny Tarbell, PDD; Helen Garcia, Key West Lodge Secretary; and Richard Judge, Key West lodge trustee.

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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.