On April 13, Punta Gorda Elks Lodge #2606 hosted 150 first responders, volunteers and their families for a picnic and games at the lodge. Punta Gorda Police Chief, Pamela Davis, presented an award to Exalted Ruler, Tim Pohto, for the lodge’s tireless support of Punta Gorda law enforcement.
The 16th annual Chuck Blackhurst Memorial Charity Golf Tournament was held April 20 at the Deep Creek Golf Club. With 152 golfers participating, a total of $6,340 was donated to Florida Elks Children’s Therapy Services. Lodge member Paul White started this tournament and has continued to run the event for the last 16 years. Since its inception, the tournament has raised over $77,500 for Florida Elks Children’s Therapy Services.
During June, Punta Gorda lodge presented over $29,000 in scholarships to local students – 16 $1,000 scholarships were given by the lodge, eight $1,000 scholarships were given by the Elkettes and one $2,000 scholarship was given by the Past Exalted Rulers Association. Two students each received $4,000 from the Elks National Foundation Legacy Scholarships in addition to $1,000 each from the lodge.
On June 23, the Punta Gorda Lodge Past Exalted Rulers Association hosted an Italian dinner benefit for Cathy Wieder with proceeds of over $4,500 going to assist with her medical expenses. Wieder, a former lodge bartender for 25 years, also chaired several lodge committees including entertainment and special events. The PER Association also donated $500.