Southwest District

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Written by Bradenton Elks

On Feb. 12, Bradenton Elks Lodge #1511 donated its $3,500 Elks National Foundation Beacon Grant to Manatee County Children’s Services. This organization provides advocacy, support with homelessness, basic medical needs, counseling and tutoring for children who are at risk.

Pictured are Bob Erwin, PDD, Exalted Ruler, and Krista Post, Manatee County Children’s Services development coordinator.

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Written by Diane Davis

On Feb. 28, Manasota Elks Lodge #2734 hosted a painting party at the lodge. Member Cheri Arciniega was the instructor for 19 members and guests, who chose to paint either a gnome or a jellyfish. There was much fun and laughter at this event, all while raising $100 for the Florida Elks Youth Camp, as $5 per participant and instructor went to the cause.

Pictured with their gnome paintings are Carolyn Hostetler, Dee Babcock (guest), Janet Moyer, Renee Hauck (guest), Marilyn Patton and Jamie Yates.

Pictured with their jellyfish paintings are (front row) Jeanne Wordell, Wanda Burke, Toni Iannuzzi and Diane Davis. In the back row are Stephanie Lund, Carol Femia, Pam McDowell, Robin Hutchins, Guy Mugavero, Monica Wycoff and Jessica (guest, last name unavailable).

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Written by Diane Davis

On March 5, Manasota Lodge held its annual pig roast fundraiser. This year’s proceeds were earmarked for Florida Elks Children’s Therapy Services (FECTS). Members Bobbie and Sonny Woods donated and cooked the pig. There were ribs, barbecue chicken and pulled pork sandwiches and sides. There was also a chance auction, craft vendors and music by JB Carr. The district’s FECTS therapist, Clara Budynsky, did an outstanding job explaining the program and her duties as a Florida Elks therapist. The event raised $2,500.

Pictured are Sonny and Bobbie Woods.

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Written by JoAnn Reddy

The Past Exalted Rulers of Lakewood Ranch-Sarasota Lodge held its annual Day at the Races event Feb. 20. Members pick their favorite horses from a list of 10 races that took place around the country. At this event, $3,500 was raised, which will be used to fund lodge charities.

Pictured are lodge members lining up to place their next bets and members reviewing the horse statistics while waiting for the race to begin.

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Written by Rose Wujcik, PER

Jim Lamb, PDD of Sarasota South Elks Lodge #2495 has served as the Sarasota County Coordinator for the Marine Reserve Toys for Tots Campaign for the past 20 years. This year was an especially busy year with all the problems associated with the pandemic and families requesting help for Christmas for their children. A total of 184,769 toys, including bicycles, books and stocking stuffers, were distributed to 17,540 children. Lamb organized the program and 51 lodge members worked 23,340 hours. PER Dave and Sherie Gillum of Venice-Nokomis Lodge #1854 helped, too. Richard Bouchard, PER from Sarasota South Lodge hosted a cruise-themed Toys for Tots fundraiser at the lodge that raised more than $5,000. Other campaign volunteers were from the VFW Post 3233, local schools and the Fraternal Order of Eagles #2756. Multiple businesses also held fundraisers throughout the county to support this year’s campaign.

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Written by Lakewood Ranch-Sarasota Elks

On Dec. 22, Rick and Kay Thorson, members of Lakewood Ranch-Sarasota Lodge (pictured), delivered food baskets purchased by the lodge to the Salvation Army that contained items for 12 complete Christmas dinners. The food was then distributed to 12 targeted families sponsored by Pathway to Hope, an organization working with families that desire to break the generational cycle of crisis and enable a path out of poverty.