South Southwest District

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Written by Punta Gorda Elks

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On May 3, Punta Gorda Elks Lodge #2606 hosted its first Bob Hahn Memorial Rubber Ducky River Races to honor the memory of Past Exalted Ruler Bob Hahn, a beloved lodge member and passionate supporter of Florida Elks Children’s Therapy Services. He dedicated countless hours to the lodge and had an enduring commitment to helping children in need. This event benefits FECTS, his favorite charity. The community embraced the event with enthusiasm and creativity. Fourteen teams registered, each purchasing and designing their own floatable rubber ducks. These colorful creations were then launched into the Peace River. Unlike traditional races, the winner was not the fastest duck down the river but the team that raised the most money. This twist added a generous spirit of competition that would have made Bob Hahn proud. The Memories and Dreams team took top honors, helping push the event’s total fundraising efforts to $2,257.

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On May 29, Punta Gorda Elks Lodge #2606 hosted another successful blood drive in collaboration with One Blood. Generous lodge members donated a total of 30 pints of blood. Since one pint can save three lives, this drive will positively impact 90 lives in the community. Each participant received a tote bag and a $20 gift card from One Blood and an Elks T-shirt and a $10 gift card from the lodge. This was the lodge’s fourth blood drive of the year.

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On March 27, Punta Gorda Elks Lodge #2606, in partnership with One Blood, hosted a community blood drive, where volunteers donated a total of 29 units of blood. Lodge members received a $10 gift card and a T-shirt, and One Blood gifted each of the 29 donors a $20 gift card and a long-sleeve T-shirt. All donors were encouraged to contribute to the Elks National Foundation, which supports the organization's charitable initiatives.

Pictured are Ambrose Yelovich, PER; Stephanie Stobbe, event chair; Jailyn Peret, phlebotomist; and William Wood, donor.

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On March 14, Punta Gorda Elks Lodge #2606 donated $2,500 from the Elks National Foundation Beacon Grant to Jesus Loves You Ministry. This donation will support the mobile outreach program, which serves those who are homeless, by restocking essential supplies in the community food pantry. 

Pictured are Tom Shoecraft, Exalted Ruler; Pete Vaphiades, PDD, Secretary; Bill Jameson, PER; Ashley Brantley, facility director; and Ambrose Yelovich, PER, Chaplain.

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On March 14, Punta Gorda Elks Lodge #2606 presented a $1,000 donation to the Douglas Jacobson Veterans Nursing Home residents fund using funds from the Elks National Foundation Beacon Grant. This contribution will fund activities that bring joy and connection to the residents, such as outings and bingo prizes. It also provides items such as razors, socks and personal items not covered by the nursing home.

Pictured are Pete Vaphiades, PDD, Secretary; Tom Shoecraft, Exalted Ruler; Ambrose Yelovich, PER, Chaplain; Bill Jameson, PER; Steve Bassett, member; and Oscar Williams, facility director.