Southwest District

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Written by Sarasota South Elks

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Sarasota South Lodge celebrated the one-year anniversary of their tiki hut by hosting a membership drive, which brought in seven new candidates. The event included bands, food and drinks.

Pictured is the front entrance to the tiki hut.

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Written by JoAnn Reddy

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On March 1, Lakewood Ranch-Sarasota Lodge held a talent show and dinner to raise money for the Harry-Anna Trust Fund. Members dressed in costumes and provided the entertainment. A total of $1,916.54 was raised.

Pictured are Cher and Sonny, portrayed by members Kevin and Marge Burke.

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Written by Sarasota South Elks

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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

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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

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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

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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.