Southeast Central District

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Written by Cocoa Beach Elks

Beginning July 21, Cocoa Beach Elks Lodge #2387 held a back-to-school drive for Roosevelt Elementary in Cocoa Beach after Susan Dilworth-Jones, Lodge Secretary, reached out to the principal and asked what they needed most to start the school year. She replied that her greatest need was basic school supplies and additional funds for the Angel Fund, a backup fund for students who don’t have money in their lunch accounts. Dilworth-Jones created a flyer describing the need and goal and distributed the information to the members. They donated numerous supplies, and the lodge donated $200 to the Angel fund.

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Written by Rachael King

On April 7, Viera Elks Lodge #2817 held its19th annual Golf Classic at Rockledge Country Club, which was open to the public. The event was chaired by member Heidi Vargas, who put together a team comprised of Antlers members and lodge members. The committee greeted 104 players. There were 31 hole sponsors and 72 door prizes to be raffled. At the end of play, the golfers were invited to the lodge for sandwiches, snacks, door prizes and the raffle. The proceeds from the event allowed the lodge to donate $1,500.00 each to Survive First and Veterans Connections to A New life.  The lodge’s charity fund also received $7,669. Survive First is an organization whose mission is to reduce first responder suicide through quality education, peer support and mental wellness resources. They are a source for first responders and their families seeking information to help navigate through the mental health challenges that result from a career in public safety and health fields. Their motto is “No First Responder Left Behind.” Veterans Connections to A New Life is an organization whose mission is to provide unique and personalized service and support to veterans, at no charge, who are homeless or at-risk and struggling to transition into civilian life. They provide basic essentials, like backpacks full of toiletries, as well as find them adequate housing or purchasing home furnishings. They also offer substance abuse programs. The lodge’s donation is directed to their PTSD Equine Therapy Program.

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Written by Ginny Young

Using its $2,000 Elks National Foundation Spotlight Grant, Fort Pierce Elks Lodge #1520 purchased and made two deliveries of water, snacks and school supplies to C.A. Moore School.

Pictured March 12 are Tamy Davis, assistant principal; Dr. Jackson, assistant principal; and Solani Virgin, secretary.

Pictured March 25 are Bob Citto, Leading Knight; Dr. Jackson, principal; Ron Weeden, Orientation Chair; and Jean Citto, Loyal Knight and Elks National Foundation Scholarships Chair.

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Written by Carol and Joe Palowich

Vero Beach Elks Lodge #1774 held its annual Christmas event at the Wabasso School using $1,000 from its $2,000 Els National Foundation Gratitude Grant. The Wabasso School is a special education center school serving students ages 5 to 22. To meet the unique needs of the students, they offer four program models:  intensive, integrated, behavioral and a transition program. The dedicated staff provides instruction that positively impacts student achievement; communication skills; and social, emotional and behavioral growth. Within a safe and supportive learning environment, children develop their academic and independent living skills to meet post-secondary goals and successful community integration. The money was used to purchase Christmas gifts requested by its 60 students. These gifts ranged from a coupon for McDonald’s to a guitar and were all well received. The students were happy to visit with Santa and show off their gifts. They were treated to cupcakes and juice provided by the Elks.

Pictured are Elks members Nancilee Wydra, the Grinch, PER Joe Palowich, Carol Palowich, Santa, Secretary Kathi Lee Miller, ER Jack McClurken and PER Jim Rannazzisi. The Grinch and Santa are Wabasso school teachers, Gene Hanley and Peter Matson.

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Written by Becky Wills

Viera Lodge fulfilled gift requests from angel trees for children and seniors. Members purchased gifts and returned them to the lodge. The gifts were delivered Dec. 4 to the sponsoring organizations. The children’s gifts were coordinated through Friends of Children of Brevard, an organization that supports children in the foster care system, ensuring that children rescued from harmful environments receive more than what the current system can offer. The senior gifts were coordinated through the Brevard County Triad, a countywide partnership led by the sheriff’s office, local police and the state attorney’s office, which focuses on senior issues in Brevard County. The seniors receiving the gifts are primarily residents in assisted care facilities and who do not have family in the area to support them at Christmas. The lodge provided 24 children’s gifts and 30 seniors’ gifts.

On Dec. 6, Viera Lodge hosted a Christmas party for Family Promise of Brevard, the Down’s Syndrome Association of Brevard, and Friends of Children of Brevard. Homemade Christmas goodies, mini sandwiches and hot chocolate were provided by lodge member Kasha Smith and her team. Each child was also given a stocking full of goodies to take home. Santa was the surprise guest.

On Dec. 8, the Viera Antlers organized a Hoop Shoot for 31 registrants, with support from members of Viera and Cocoa lodges.