South Southwest District

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Written by Joann Sutton

On May 21, Punta Gorda Lodge hosted 140 fourth-graders from Sally Jones Elementary School for a drug awareness education program which included presentations, crafts, bounce houses and a picnic lunch. Twelve $25 gift certificates to Books·A·Million were awarded to two students from each class for their drug awareness posters.

Punta Gorda Lodge Exalter Ruler, Tim Pohto, poses with students from Sally Jones Elementary at the lodge’s drug awareness program May 21.

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Written by Joann Sutton

On May 8, 42 Punta Gorda Lodge members took a bus trip to the Florida Elks Youth Camp. While there, the Past Exalted Rulers Association presented a check for $1,000 to Florida Elks Children’s Therapy Services in memory of Val Bates, Past Grand Exalted Ruler. Pictured are PERs Dave Haverstraw, Judy Neutzel and Ambrose Yelovich along with Exalted Ruler, Tim Pohto, and Elliott Gilbert, camp program director.

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Written by Joann Sutton

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.

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Written by Fort Myers Elks

Fort Myers Lodge held an inspiring Flag Day ceremony June 9 which was open to the public. Along with lodge officers, also participating were the Masonic Sojourners from North Fort Myers, Fla., a fraternal organization meeting the needs of military Masons and advancing programs that promote love of country, and members of the Vietnam Bravo Unit First Battalion 9th Marines.

In period costume June 9 at the Fort Myers Lodge Flag Day ceremony, Masonic Sojourners build the American flag by adding red and white stripes as each state entered the union.

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Written by Greater Pine Island Elks

Fifty members of Greater Pine Island Elks Lodge #2781 gathered for Mother’s Day brunch that included an omelet and Belgian waffle bar among other items. The event raised $2,000 for high school scholarships. John Dooley, Don Ware and Carolyn Ware wait for volunteer Louis Kuhn to prepare omelets.