Southwest District

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Written by Sarasota South Elks

On Jan. 18, Sarasota South Elks Lodge #2495 held a country hoedown fundraiser for Florida Elks for Autism, which offers autism testing at no charge to families. There were 75 members and guests attending in western outfits. The menu included cowboy beans with jalapeño cornbread and cowboy casserole. Music was provided by Dr. Paul, who performed his unique brand of country music, which he featured on the show “The Voice” recently. Funds were raised when bail was paid for attendees who were put in jail for the most minor of infractions, including drinking with their right hand or having their left elbow on the table or talking too much or not talking enough. This raised $252. Another $230 was raised via donations at the door.

Pictured behind bars are bartenders Randy, Christine, Mel and Susan.

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Written by Anthony D'Abbraccio

On March 8, Parrish Elks participated in the Parrish Heritage Day Festival with a membership tent. Members shared with attendees what the Elks do in the community and state. At the end of the day, they had signed up 10 people for membership. They also raffled a basket for lodge funds.

Volunteers pictured are Sharon Kline, Patricia Knight, Mitch Loiselle, the raffle basket winner and Joe Kline. Not pictured is Ken Knight.

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Written by Lakewood Ranch-Sarasota Elks

On March 1, the Elks Riders from Lakewood Ranch-Sarasota lodge #2855 donated 55 Ollie Elks plush toys to Florida Elk's Children's Therapy Services for children receiving therapy.

Pictured at the lodge during a fundraiser for the Harry-Anna Trust Fund are Colleen Gallant, FECTS Director, and Alex Burke, Loyal Knight and member of the Elks Riders.

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Written by Anthony D'Abbraccio

During the second half of 2024, Norma Kennedy, Parrish Civic Association president, asked if Parrish Elks could help Parrish Community High School with their program for students in need to ensure their basic needs are met. Lodge members immediately voted to donate $100 to the program and decided to assist the high school by collecting nonperishable food, toiletries, school supplies and basic clothing to stock their pantry. This is an ongoing lodge program. Additionally, the lodge used its Elks National Foundation Beacon and Spotlight Grants, totaling $6,000, for high-end purchases, such as laptops, microwaves, cabinets and other items for the students. As of March 5, the lodge had used the remaining grant money to purchase shirts, shorts and hoodies for the students in need. There is also now a lodge banner on the outside of the athletic field fence. Exalted Ruler Tony D’Abbraccio inquired about purchasing one and the school covered the expense because of the lodge’s generosity.

Pictured is the banner.

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Written by Sarasota South Elks

Sarasota South Elks Lodge #2495 hosted a Valentine’s Day dinner dance Feb. 15, with 75 members in attendance. Members enjoyed dinner, which was provided by the lodge’s Palm Tree Kitchen, and danced to the music of Chuck Drager, who played an array of tunes ranging from romantic ballads to popular dance songs. Between baskets of cheer and a 50/50 drawing, the lodge raised $482 for the Harry-Anna Trust Fund and $300 to purchase new unbreakable dishes for the lodge.

Pictured are dinner dance attendees.

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Written by Diane Davis

Manasota Elks Lodge #2734 held a reverse raffle fundraiser Feb. 1 to benefit the Harry-Anna Trust Fund. Tickets cost $50 and dinner was included. Southwest District Vice President, Rose Wujcik, spoke about Florida Elks Children’s Therapy Services and the wonderful work the therapists do as well as the Florida Elks Youth Camp and the number of kids served each week. Both projects are beneficiaries of the Harry-Anna Trust Fund. The lodge donated more than $3,500 to the trust fund.

Pictured are Wanda Burke, Activities Chair; Mark Burke, Esquire; Sue Barnett, grand prize winner; Justin Eveland, Exalted Ruler; and Mickie Beck, Secretary.