Southeast Central District

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Written by Becky Wills

On Sept. 18, Viera Elks Lodge #2817 welcomed Southeast Central District Vice President, Paul Diaz, and his wife, Donna, for dinner. There were more than 140 members and guests present and the theme was “Support your Team.” As a part of the festivities, Diaz assisted Jerry Harrington, Exalted Ruler, in presenting two donations to local organizations. A check for $3,500 from the lodge’s Elks National Foundation Gratitude and Beacon grants was presented to Tara Pagliarini, executive director of Family Promise of Brevard. Family Promise of Brevard works to end family homelessness in Brevard County by collaborating with the community to provide families with support and resources they need to put themselves on a path toward long-term housing stability. The second check presentation was for $2,000 ($1,500 from the lodge’s Elks National Foundation Gratitude Grant and $500 from the lodge’s charity account) to Brevard Schools Foundation, a nonprofit organization designed to match community resources with the needs of public schools. It is funded and supported by local businesses and charitable organizations.

Pictured are Kyle Nylander, Brevard Schools Foundation board member; Janice Keyshawn, Brevard Schools Foundation president; Jerry Harrington, Exalted Ruler; Paul Diaz, District Vice President; and Bill Orblych, PDD, Lodge Secretary.

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Written by Lenny Smallacombe, PDD

Fort Pierce Elks Lodge #1520 used a $2,000 Elks National Foundation grant along with members’ donations to purchase new backpacks, school supplies, food and much needed socks and underwear to Lakewood Park Elementary School in Fort Pierce. The school has 100 students who are homeless. The lodge’s backpack program also donated $500 to buy footwear for students in need.

Pictured Sept. 22 outside the school are backpack program lodge volunteers and the school principal: Ron Chuba; Lenny Smallacombe, PDD; Barb Smallacombe, PDD; Kerri Walukiewicz, principal; Betty Foster; Cindy Williams; Bobbie Freeling; Bob Citto; Dave Bragg; Carol Chuba; and Ann Smith.

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Written by Pauline Talbott

Sebastian Elks Lodge #2714 and its ladies auxiliary, the EL-DOEs, hosted a school supply drive from Aug. 1 through Sept. 10 to support Sebastian Elementary and Little Birthday Angels. Little Birthday Angels is a nonprofit organization in Vero Beach, Florida, serving the Treasure Coast and provides duffel bags filled with various items for the birthdays of community children experiencing homelessness. This year they plan to assist more than 200 children in the county. Pictured with a sample of the donated supplies are Billy Shallies, Exalted Ruler; Audrey Huddy, Elk and EL-DOE; Mary Ducharme, EL-DOEs president; Doreen Marchetti, Lecturing Knight; Pauline Talbott, House Committee chair and EL-DOEs vice president; Pam Saracene, Elk; and Dan Talbott, Leading Knight. Little Birthday Angels picked up their donations Sept. 13 and the school’s supplies will be delivered Sept. 23 as an appointment was required to enter the school due to COVID restrictions.

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Written by Tom Wojnar

On Aug. 20 at Melbourne Elks Lodge #1744, Exalted Ruler Dolores Casella (right) presented the lodge’s $2,000 Elks National Foundation Spotlight Grant to Jeffrey Njus (middle), executive director of Daily Bread Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that helps to feed those who have had financial hardships from the pandemic. Looking on is Tom Wojnar, the lodge grant coordinator. The Daily Bread also helps those in need to find affordable housing. As part of its outreach program, they also assist people in obtaining a copy of their birth certificate and Social Security number, which are important in getting a job.

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Written by Erin Harmening

On July 29, Cocoa Elks Lodge #1532 presented a $200 check and a car-full of school supplies to the Boys & Girls Club of Central Florida. The donation also included backpacks, gently used and new school clothes, shoes, art supplies, and stuffed animals. Recipients were students ages 6 to 18. The lodge wanted to help prepare and excite them to get back to school and wishes them a safe and happy school year. Pictured are Erin C. Harvey, Development Officer Brevard County, Boys & Girls Club of Cental Florida; Bonnie Pippen, lodge house committee member, and Beth Scarborough, lodge Tiler.