Southeast Central District

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Written by Barb Hartrick, PER

Stuart-Jensen Elks Lodge #1870 presented donations to two local charities using funds from their Elks National Foundation grants. On March 31, they donated their $2,000 Gratitude Grant to Elev8hope at their newest property in Stuart, Florida, called Mrs. Rina’s House of Blessings. As stated on their website, “Through educating, training, and inspiring our youth to become compassionate leaders,” Elev8Hope “works to positively impact the community of Martin County by connecting with individuals and families struggling to meet the most basic requirements of daily living.” On May 5, the lodge presented their remaining $2,345 of the Beacon Grant to House of Hope at their headquarters in Stuart. Their website states that “House of Hope is a nonprofit agency that provides food, clothing, furniture, financial assistance, information and referral, and life-changing case management services to Martin County residents in need.”

Barbara Hartrick, PER, Exalted Ruler, presents a donation for their food pantry to Bob Ranieri, CEO of House of Hope.

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Written by Cocoa Beach Elks

For a second consecutive year, Cocoa Beach High School honored Cocoa Beach Lodge with its 2020-2021 Partner of the Year award. The lodge regularly matches money raised by the school's car washes, supports the JROTC programs and Student of the Month awards, and awards six $1,500 scholarships. Pictured with the award dated April 29 are Billy Wirth, Exalted Ruler, and Jim Dickson, Youth Activities Chair.

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Written by Cocoa Beach Elks

Cocoa Beach Elks Lodge #2387 supports numerous programs at Cocoa Beach High School and presented a $1,000 donation to the school's Army JROTC minutemen battalion during their annual military ball April 22. The donation will be used to offset expenses related to off-campus competitions and travel. The CBHS JROTC organization has tremendous adult and cadet leadership. Pictured are Lt. Col. (R) Jim Desjardin, senior Army instructor; Battalion Commander Cadet/LTC Nico Lanza; Ed Circierski, PER; Jim Dickson, Youth Activities Chair; and Billy Wirth, Exalted Ruler.

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Written by Erin Burger

On Feb. 23rd, Cocoa Elks Lodge #1532 donated a Firefly chair to Macy, a local child with the rare disease Miller-Dieker Syndrome. Her new chair will enable this lovely 4-year-old to sit up independently. Her parents wrote a thank-you to the lodge, saying, "We can’t thank you enough for her amazing chair!! This is going to allow her to feel more inclusive.” This donation was made possible with funds from the Florida State Elks matching Beacon grant.

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Written by Kim Ferris

Through several March charity events, Cocoa Lodge raised $2,000 for the Cocoa Police Department for their Cocoa Community First program. Lodge member Lynn Yawn is pictured with members of the Cocoa Police Department.