South Southwest District

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Written by Barbara Kneer

On Nov. 6, Bonita Springs-Estero Elks Lodge #2753 presented a check for $7,340.25 to the Harry Chapin Food Bank to benefit the Florida Hurricane Michael Relief Fund. The lodge held 50/50 raffles, passed the hat at several events and asked the membership for donations. The Elks also matched the single largest donation.

John Kuhn, Special Events Manager of the Harry Chapin Food Bank, accepts a donation on behalf of Bonita Springs-Estero Lodge from Dianne Wilhelm, Exalted Ruler; Frank Scandale, Esteemed Lecturing Knight; and PER Steve Cicak, Trustee and Lodge Advisor.

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Written by Christine Horn

Rotonda Elks Lodge #2710 distributed trick-or-treat bags outside Walmart in Englewood, Fla., Halloween afternoon. Bags contained candy, coloring books, crayons, pencils, ribbons and drug awareness reminders. Elks Cathy Redman, Debbie Sommers and Sam Besase distributed drug awareness brochures and booklets along with candy to teenagers and their parents.

Rotonda Lodge Exalted Ruler, Phil Sommers, hands a Halloween treat bag to Luke Wilson and his mother outside an Englewood Walmart Oct. 31.

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Written by Estelle Dichazi

Englewood Elks Lodge #2378 donated $1,088 to Myaaka Elementary to pay for the purchase of a book for children in grades two and four (162 children). Estelle Dichazi, Elks member, presents the check to Jackie Hamilton, Media Specialist. Also pictured are principal, Mrs. Shepard, and students Emily Atherholt, Emily Elkins, JT Ralston, Amelia Bernicchi and Peyton Horn.

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Written by Christine Horn

On Saturday, Sept. 12, Rotonda Elks Lodge’s property once again evolved into a large playing field for their third Special Olympics event. Elkette President, Ginny Perry, hosted this event for 55 children and young adults. Before the games began, the American Legion 113 Honor Guard presented the flag. The athletes enjoyed soccer, track, softball toss, bocce, putting golf balls and a beanbag toss. After the competition, volunteers served lunch to some very hungry athletes. Exalted Ruler, Phil Sommers, conducted the award ceremony and distributed medals to all the hardworking athletes. At the closing, one young adult mentioned that he would be back next year. The lodge members were proud to be a part of the 50th year’s celebration of Special Olympics.

Rotonda Lodge’s Bob Humphreys, PER raised the flag with one of the athletes competing in the Special Olympics.

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Written by Joann Sutton

Twenty-three Punta Gorda Elkettes attended the 55th annual Florida Ladies of Elks conference in September. They brought with them a $5,000 donation for Florida Elks Children’s Therapy Services, a $600 donation from the Elkette bocce league for the Florida Elks Youth Camp wish list, and bed pillows and linens for the camp cabins.