
On Jan. 12, ArtFest Fort Myers and Fort Myers Elks Lodge #1288 donated 40 framed vintage ArtFest posters, each signed by the original artist, to the residents of Salterra of Fort Myers, a senior assisted living and memory care community. Several lodge members are also members of ArtFest Fort Myers and made the arrangements for the donation. The artwork will be placed in residents’ rooms for their enjoyment, bringing color and creativity into their daily lives.
Pictured are Carley Griffith, Salterra sales manager; Roger Spencer, PER, District Deputy; Irma Spencer, trustee; and Marsha Newton, Salterra concierge with the prints.

On Dec. 23, Rotonda Elks Lodge #2710 used its Elks National Foundation Beacon and Spotlight grants to purchase rain jackets for every employee of Englewood Fire Department and four dry suits to be used to keep crews dry during floods or cold water operations. Sherry Toth, Lodge Secretary, learned about the need after meeting at the fire department during a crew public event. "We strive to be responsible stewards of taxpayer dollars and make every dollar count," said Fire Chief Kevin Easton. "I am sincerely grateful to the Rotonda Elks for their continued support and this grant. This will allow us to purchase essential gear that keeps our crews safe in all weather conditions.”
Pictured are Adam Baer, firefighter; Casey Hayes, firefighter/EMT; Shane Williams, Captain; Sherry Toth, Lodge Secretary; Ed Toth, PER; Patrick Zadai, firefighter/EMT; and Jammie Wolfe, firefighter/EMT.

On Oct. 26 at the Mrs. Roper Party, held at a local golf course restaurant run by a member, Fort Myers Ladies of Elks hosted a bra art contest to benefit Partners for Breast Cancer Care Inc., a grassroots nonprofit in southwest Florida that directs donations entirely toward helping uninsured, low‑income women and men access breast health services, such as mammograms. Ladies members crafted and embellished bras, and partygoers cast votes for their favorites at a dollar per vote. On Dec. 9, the Ladies of Elks presented a $1,000 donation to Partners, and Fort Myers Elks Lodge matched the contribution up to $500, bringing the total donation to $1,500.
Pictured is Mike Grafe, Exalted Ruler, modeling the winning bra.

On Dec. 10, Fort Myers Elks Lodge #1288 donated $1,000 to Eva’s Closet and Foundation, which serves more than 1,500 people each month in southwest Florida by providing clothing, food and household essentials at no cost to families in need.
Trustee Irma Spencer presents the check to Jessica Goodall, founder of Eva's Closet and Foundation.

On Dec.13, Naples Elks Lodge #2010 donated the $4,000 match of the Elks National Foundation Beacon Grant it received from the Harry-Anna Trust Fund to Domestic Animal Services of Collier County to help with needed items to take care of the animals waiting for a permanent home. Members Chery and Joe Musser volunteer at DAS and keep the membership informed when the need arises. Recently the lodge held a towel collection for them.
Pictured are Meredith McLean of DAS; member Chery Musser; and Bob Costello, Exalted Ruler. Also pictured is black Lab Sofia.