Southwest District

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Written by JoAnn Reddy

On Dec. 20, Lakewood Ranch-Sarasota Lodge delivered trays of cookies to 10 area fire and rescue squads around Manatee County to thank first responders for their service.

Pictured are personnel from Station 6 along with lodge member Leon Duis, third from left. Not pictured is member Mary Duis.

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Written by JoAnn Reddy

Lakewood Ranch-Sarasota Elks Lodge #2855 held its Hoop Shoot Dec. 6 at Carlos Haile Middle School in Bradenton. Eighteen kids competed and six lodge committee members conducted the event. 

Committee members pictured with participants are Randy Volkart, Tony Lapera and Joe Valarie. Members not pictured are Bonnie Sietman, Bob Sietman, and Nancy Volkart.

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Written by Parrish Elks

On Nov. 18, Parrish Elks ran their first Hoop Shoot, held at New Hope Baptist Church, with seven young participants. The winners were Patrick Deery, first place boys 8-9; Alexis Kempker, first place girls 8-9; and Jaxen Jimenez, first place boys 10-11. Dave McCarthy, Lodge Hoop Shoot Chair, and his wife, Heather, ran the tournament.

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Written by South Hillsborough Elks

South Hillsborough Elks Lodge #2672 hosted its Hoop Shoot Nov. 12 at the Spurlino Family YMCA. This contest was the first one after 2019, due to the pandemic. Trophies were awarded to the first, second and third place winners. All participants received were given an achievement certificate and a basketball-themed gift bag. The winners were Amylah Wilson, first place girls 8-9; Aumal Richardson, first place boys 8-9; Maddson Arroyo, first place girls 10-11; and Barry Griffis Jr., first place boys 10-11. They didn’t have any 12-13-year-olds, which will be a focus for next year. Tom and Lisa Anderson chaired the event. The YMCA director, Jarrod Williams, was excited about the Hoop Shoot Event because their objectives align perfectly with the Elks. The lodge recognized Coach Izabella Maxwell with flowers. She has coached children to compete in the Hoop Shoot for 17 of the past 20 years. She has been to regional and state competitions with her talented players and acknowledged that this was one of the best organized shoots she has attended.

Shown are Tom Anderson, Hoop Shoot Lodge Chair; Sugar Conrad, Exalted Ruler; Coach Izabella Maxwell; and Lisa Anderson, Hoop Shoot Lodge Chair.

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Written by Manasota Elks

On Oct. 10, members of the Southwest District and Elroy the Elk attended a Manatee County school board meeting to kick of Red Ribbon Week/Month. School board member Mary Foreman read their Red Ribbon proclamation, which was presented to PDD Jack Cantwell of Bradenton Lodge #1511. He thanked the board for their continued support of the program. During Red Ribbon Week, Oct. 23-31, Manatee County teachers and district staff wore red ribbons donated by the Florida State Elks Association and the schools had numerous activities to promote this year’s theme, “Be Kind to Your Mind – Live Drug Free.” Manasota Lodge #2734 was also recognized for their continued partnership with the Manatee County School District throughout the year.

Pictured are Elroy the Elk (Dawn Gilchrist, Lakewood Ranch- Sarasota #2855); Diane Davis, trustee, Manasota #2734; Jack Cantwell, PDD, Bradenton #1511; and Deborah Perry-Gambino, School District of Manatee County community engagement specialist.

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Written by JoAnn Reddy

On Nov. 4, an appreciation lunch was held (this year at Bradenton Lodge) for the Bradenton and Lakewood Ranch-Sarasota Lodge volunteers who help to buy, pack and deliver food to area schools for the Elks Feeding Empty Little Tummies program.

Members are pictured from both lodges, who partner to feed more than 600 children each weekend during the school year.

Bradenton Lodge also donated $1,500 to EFELT. Pictured are Danny Tabor, Bradenton #1511; Andrea Hitcho, EFELT CEO, Lakewood Ranch-Sarasota #2855; and Paul Hollingsworth, Bradenton #1511.