South Southwest District

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Written by Naples Elks

On Dec. 4, Naples Elks Lodge #2010 hosted a Christmas party for 25 youths and six staff members from Youth Haven, an organization that helps children and teens in southwest Florida who have been abused and neglected. Lodge volunteers served pizza, ice cream and soft drinks. Attendees were given a gift bag filled with sweatshirts, an Elks water bottle and a $50 gift card. Magician Brian Boyd entertained everyone.

Pictured in the front row are magician Brian Boyd, Ray Frye, Jerri Massey, Cassie Demetsky, Maria Thompson and Julie DeHaan. In the back row are Nelson Keller, Brett Binder, a Youth Haven staff member, Pam Addis, Lynn Malpede and Arlene Hansen.

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Written by Punta Gorda Elks

Punta Gorda Elks Lodge #2606 completed its fifth and final blood drive of 2024, making a remarkable impact throughout the year. Over the course of these drives, the lodge collected a total of 145 pints of blood, saving up to 435 lives, as one pint can save three lives. Participants contributed 182 volunteer hours, valued at $5,450.90, and drove a combined 1,779 miles, equating to $1,049.61, bringing the lodge's total contribution value to $6,500.51. To show appreciation, One Blood provided each donor with a $20 gift card, while the lodge added a $10 gift card and an exclusive Elks T-shirt. Blood donations are critical to saving lives; 25% of cancer patients need blood or platelets during treatment. By hosting these drives, the lodge empowers donors to provide the strength and hope that patients need to keep fighting.

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Written by Rotonda Elks

On Oct. 27 to recognize Red Ribbon Week, Rotonda Elks and Elkettes cooked (“broasted”) and delivered 26 chicken dinners to six Englewood fire stations for firefighters and first responders as a thank you for all they do. They are first on the scene when there is a drug overdose or alcohol-related incident.

Pictured are Elkettes Ginny Perry and Jean Humphreys, Elk Bob Humphreys, Elk Tom McCombs, Elkette Kathy McCombs and Elk Brad Fitzgerald.

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Written by Diane Hendrick

On Oct. 22, the Fort Myers Ladies of Elks donated $500 to the City of Palms Youth Choir. Founded in 2016, the choir provides an opportunity for young singers in southwest Florida to enhance their choral education beyond school and church programs. Donations such as this one allow the choir to continue its approach to rehearsing and performing high-quality treble and mixed voice choral pieces.

Pictured are Connie Laubenthal, Ladies Secretary; Sophia Brook, choir board member and singer; Kathy Lake, Ladies President; Matt Koller, artistic director, City of Palms Youth Choir and Fort Myers Symphonic Mastersingers; and Els Bunkens, Fort Myers Symphonic Mastersingers Board of Directors chair.

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Written by Jack Upton

On Sept. 8, Deep Creek Elks Lodge #2763 held the fourth annual Tunnel to Towers benefit. The event raised $4,875, and the lodge matched some of this, bringing the total donations to $9,875. This exceeded last year's donations by more than $5,000.