South Southwest District

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Written by Teresa Bird

On Sept. 17, Punta Gorda Lodge hosted a fundraiser for suicide prevention in cooperation with the local Biker For Life organization. The proceeds of $2,500 were split evenly between Mission 22, which supports veterans, and the Society for the Suicide Prevention of Teen Suicide. The event was open to the public and included a lodge membership drive and vendors. Food was prepared by the lodge’s Chef Gary, and the American Made Band entertained the crowd. The lodge is grateful to the generous anonymous donors and to the event sponsor, Aladdin Air.

Pictured are William Oquendo, owner of Biker For Life and event organizer; Tom Shoecraft, Exalted Ruler; Virginia Oquendo, event coordinator; Walter LaCombe, PER Association president; and Michelle Staples, lodge member and lodge general manager.

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Written by Diane Hendrick

On Sept. 13, the Fort Myers Elks Lodge members and Ladies of Elks members made presentations to the Children’s Network of Southwest Florida. The Elks presented the organization a $2,000 check from the Elks National Foundation Spotlight Grant and a bag of 100 heart pillows from Florida Elks Charities. Fort Myers Ladies of Elks presented a diapers and baby wipes that were collected from members and guests at the lodge during August. In addition, four handmade baby blankets were made and donated by Gail Mascari.

Pictured are Bob Weinberg, lodge board chair; Michelle Leonard, executive assistant to the CEO; and David Lake, PSP.

Also pictured are Dianne Conley, event chair; Michelle Leonard; and Connie Laubenthal, Fort Myers Ladies of Elks President.

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Written by Rachael King

On Sept. 15, Greater Pine Island Lodge presented a $2,000 check from the Elks National Foundation Gratitude Grant to the Pine Island Leaders of Tomorrow (PILOT) so they could expand the number of students served and increase the number of days that the kids could attend the after-school program. PILOT is a free after-school enrichment program offered at Pine Island United Methodist Church. Its mission is to challenge the hearts and minds of Pine Island youth to encourage growth and excellence in vital areas such as critical thinking, responsibility, group dynamics and community involvement. Second through fifth grade students who attend Pine Island Elementary School are recommended by their teachers to take part in the program. Once students begin participating, the purpose is for them to remain in the program through high school graduation. Transportation and dinner are also provided at no cost to students.

Pictured are Judy Hopkins, PER; Karen Durand; Nicole and Paul Pichon, co-coordinators of PILOT; George Smith, PER; and Carol Jo Nelson, Drug Awareness Lodge Chair.

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Written by Naples Elks

Naples Lodge coordinated and distributed baked cookies and cakes to first responders from Greater Naples Fire District #21 Sept. 11. Some of these baked goods came from the kitchens of lodge members with love and care. Cookies and cakes were also delivered to six substations in the Greater Naples Collier County Sheriff offices in the central dispatch offices.

Pictured are members Julie DeHaan and Brian Kamp. Also pictured are members Rae Frey, Gerry Massey, Jean Hartman, Brian Kamp and Julie DeHaan with three firefighters.

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Written by Teresa Colburn-Bird

Punta Gorda Elks Lodge #2606 held its annual kids’ fishing tournament June 11 on the fishing pier at the lodge. More than 75 children and their parents attended the event, which was open to the public. Trophies were awarded for the categories of smallest fish, largest fish, ugliest fish and most fish caught. Each child was given a rod, reel and backpack to keep, which were purchased from monetary donations received from Creative Carbide Inc., Aladdin Air, Integrity Employee Leasing, the Punta Gorda Elkettes and some lodge members. Other donations were received as well, including ball caps, aprons for volunteers, backpacks, trophies and booklets from the Punta Gorda Elkettes, Lowe’s Home Improvement, Athleta, Gulf Coast Engraving and the Charlotte County Sheriff’s Department. Forty lodge volunteers were on hand to cut bait, untangle lines and release fish. Afterward, everyone was served lunch provided by the lodge.

Pictured are fishing rods lined up for the participants and the participants walking out on the pier to find their special spot. Also pictured is Tom Shoecraft Sr., Exalted Ruler, presenting a trophy to Cohen Shoecraft, winner of the largest fish caught in the ages 6-10 category. In the background on the microphone is Michelle Staples, lodge member and the lodge corporation manager, and Linda Troemel, lodge member, cabin manager and assistant to the lodge corporation manager.