South Southwest District

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Written by Judy Hopkins, PER

Greater Pine Island Elk Judy Hopkins, PER, South Southwest District Deputy, baked and sold cookies at the lodge's Show Me the Money nights, held July 17 to Sept. 11 at the VFW Post 4353 while their new lodge is being built. The lodge has contributed $1,000 from the cookies sales to the Elks National Foundation.

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Written by Naples Elks

On Sept. 11, Naples Elks Lodge #2010 hosted a 9/11 observance ceremony to honor the lives lost in the 2001 attacks and recognize the ongoing service of local first responders, including members of EMT, fire rescue and the sheriff’s office. The ceremony opened with a prayer, Pledge of Allegiance, national anthem, presentation of colors and the lowering of the flag to half-staff. Member Billy Gray delivered a speech titled “What 9/11 Means to Me.” Challenge coins were presented to first responders for their service. The lodge presented a $2,500 donation to The Brotherhood Ride in support of their mission to honor fallen first responders who have died in the line of duty. The ride raises funds for the surviving families. The event concluded with a continental breakfast.

Pictured are Andrew Van Helden, EMT; Connie Diarro, Battalion Chief; Jonathan Maguire, EMT; Matt Dew and Billy Cipriano, firefighters; Sam Roberts, member and Elks trustee; and Aaron Asher, Mark Benedict, and PER Jeff Morse, firefighters.

Also pictured are Rae Frey and Gerri Massey, members; Holly Ludwig, Exalted Ruler; PER Jeff Morse, Brotherhood Ride founder and president; Billy Gray, member; and Brett Binder, Tiler.

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Written by Rotonda Elks

On April 19, Rotonda Elks Lodge #2710 held a fundraising golf tournament at Rotonda Palms Golf Course for two local causes. The tournament raised $15,819. A donation of $5,819 was given to Charlie’s CRT (Community Response Team). Their mission is to provide assistance in emergencies, such as hurricanes. They deliver food and water and they help with cleaning up debris after a storm. Pictured with this donation are John Blanchette, member; Ed Toth, PER; and Debbie Hargrove, PDD, Exalted Ruler.

A donation of $10,000 was also given to the Homeless Coalition, which serves 300 meals per week to veterans experiencing homelessness in Charlotte County. Pictured with this donation are Ed Toth, PER; Tina Figliuolo and Lisa Pervin, Homeless Coalition representatives; John Blanchette, member; and Debbie Hargrove, PDD, Exalted Ruler.

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Written by Diane Hendrick

Fort Myers Elks Lodge #1288 collected gently used and new clothing for Eva’s Closet & Foundation during May. An SUV loaded with the donations were delivered to the foundation’s warehouse June 5. Eva’s Closet & Foundation is a nonprofit organization that serves more than 1,500 individuals in southwest Florida each month who are experiencing homelessness, poverty and other risk factors. They provide necessities at no cost, including clothing, shoes, hygiene items, baby supplies, food, household supplies and school supplies.

Pictured are trustees Irma Spencer and Diane Hendrick delivering the clothing to Jessica Goodall, center, the foundation founder.

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Written by Teresa Bird

On Jan. 25, Punta Gorda Elks Lodge #2606 hosted another regular blood drive. The One Blood organization donated a T-shirt and a $20 gift card to all participants, and the lodge donated a T-shirt and a $10 gift card to all participants. Members donated a total of 25 pints. One pint of blood saves three lives, so this drive will save 75 lives. 

Pictured are Teresa Alexander, One Blood account representative, right, presenting Ambrose Yelovich, PER, Lodge Chaplain and blood drive coordinator, with a decal signifying his donation of his 27th gallon of blood.