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Umatilla, FL 32784-0049
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Southwest District
Shoeboxes for Manatee County Meals on Wheels Filled at Lakewood Ranch-Sarasota Elks Lodge
- Details
- Written by JoAnn Reddy
On Dec. 3, Lakewood Ranch-Sarasota Lodge sponsored the Manatee County Meals on Wheels Shoebox gift event. More than 1,300 shoeboxes filled with presents for local seniors were donated. The event was held in the lodge and food was served to more than 150 people. In addition, $10,698 was raised through raffles, silent auction items, sponsorships and donations.
Pictured are Maribeth Phillips, president of Meals on Wheels Plus, and Brett Davis, Lodge Secretary.
Lakewood Ranch-Sarasota Elks Hold Hoop Shoot
- Details
- Written by JoAnn Reddy
Lakewood Ranch-Sarasota Lodge held its Hoop Shoot Dec. 4 at Carlos Haile Middle School in Bradenton, Florida. Five contestants will advance to the district competition.
Pictured with contestants are Randy Volkart, Lodge Hoop Shoot Chair, and committee members Joe Volari and Tony Lapera. Not pictured are committee members Tracy Lapera and Nancy Volkart who also helped conduct the event.
Lakewood Ranch-Sarasota Elks Lodge Shrimp Boil Raises Funds for Elks National Foundation
- Details
- Written by JoAnn Reddy
On Oct. 8, Chef Brett Davis, Lodge Secretary, cooked and hosted a shrimp boil and dance at Lakewood Ranch-Sarasota Lodge. The event raised $2,000 for the Elks National Foundation.
South Hillsborough Elks Donate Grant to Sun City Center United Methodist Church Meal Program
- Details
- Written by South Hillsborough Elks
On Oct. 24, South Hillsborough Elks Lodge #2672 donated $2,500 from its Elks National Foundation Gratitude Grant to the Sun City Center United Methodist Church to purchase nutritional food for children and youth of the community whose families are financially disadvantaged. Dinner is served twice weekly in the church’s dining room.
Pictured among others are Grace Bibisi, PER, trustee; Joyce Dominick-Schaefer, PER, grant coordinator, presenting the donation to Pastor Josh Landers; Jennifer Clance, coordinator of the younger youth program and the youth group; and Bill Turner, coordinator of the older youth program.
Southwest District Elks Lodges Celebrate Red Ribbon Week
- Details
- Written by Chuck Stieb
On Oct. 25, members of Manasota, Lakewood Ranch-Sarasota and Bradenton Elks lodges, along with Elroy the Elk, the mascot for the Elks Drug Awareness program, attended the Manatee County School Board meeting for the reading of the proclamation of Red Ribbon Week Oct. 23-31. Jack Cantwell, PDD from Bradenton Lodge spoke on behalf of the BPOE national Drug Awareness program, the largest volunteer drug awareness program in the United States. He mentioned the Elks support of Red Ribbon Week to communicate drug awareness to youth. From Oct. 24 through Oct. 31, Elroy the Elk (Dawn Markham) was escorted by Diane Davis to 11 elementary schools in the Manatee County School District to greet students at arrival/morning announcements and visit classrooms to deliver his message of “Say NO to Drugs.”
Pictured are Jack Cantwell, PDD, Drug Awareness State Vice Chair from Bradenton Lodge; Diane Davis, Manasota Lodge Drug Awareness Chair; Ken Davis, PDD from Manasota Lodge; Dale Steinke, Manasota Lodge Exalted Ruler; and Elroy the Elk (Dawn Markham from Lakewood Ranch-Sarasota Lodge). Pictured in the back row are members of the Manatee County School Board.
Lakewood Ranch-Sarasota Elks Keep Lodge Open During Hurricane Ian for Members to Take Shelter In
- Details
- Written by JoAnn Reddy
During Hurricane Ian, John Piper, PER and Diane Jethwa, kitchen manager, of Lakewood Ranch-Sarasota Elks Lodge #2855 volunteered to stay at the lodge and keep it open to members and their pets so that they could shelter safely. Five members and their pets checked in Sept. 27 and stayed two days, until the hurricane passed.
Pictured is a member and her pet.
Sarasota South Elks Purchase Mobility Chair for a Young Girl
- Details
- Written by Sarasota South Elks
Earlier this year after receiving an email from a neighbor (whose parents were Elks) about a family in need, Sarasota South Elks Lodge #2495 got involved. They contacted the family and found out that 6-year-old Ava Zinmeister was born with a severe case of cerebral palsy caused by Kleefstra syndrome. Due to Ava’s condition, her mother, Toby, had to carry her up and down outside flights of stairs multiple times a day to transport her to therapies, doctor appointments and school. To make matters worse, Toby struggles with arthritis. It was obvious that Ava needed a lift. The lodge led a drive to raise money for a battery-operated chair lift and raised enough money in one night to pay for the chair. The lodge also informed the family about Florida Elks Children’s Therapy Services. Toby said they had tried so many organizations for donations but were always told the money ran out. “The Elks stood up when no one else would; we’re so appreciative. I’m thankful to the Elks beyond words,” said Toby.
Shown in the picture is Ava in her chair with the lift wheels.
Lakewood Ranch-Sarasota Elks Present Donation to Hooves with H.E.A.R.T.
- Details
- Written by JoAnn Reddy
On Aug. 27, Lakewood Ranch-Sarasota Elks Lodge #2855 donated $2,000 to Hooves with H.E.A.R.T., an organization that provide supports and hope to individuals with special needs through riding therapies. Lodge members had a great time visiting with the kids and meeting the riding therapists, parents and Tilly, one of the therapy horses. They were also presented with a thank you picture board as a gift from the entire group.
Lodge member Sarah Davis, back right, presented the check to Danielle Curtis, middle. The funds were raised from a breakfast and vender fair held in the lodge in June.
Small Businesses Recognized for Use of Flag by Bradenton Elks
- Details
- Written by Bradenton Elks
Bradenton Lodge conducted an awards ceremony June 27 to recognize local small businesses that properly fly the American flag. There were 41 Bradenton small businesses awarded the Grand Exalted Ruler’s Certificate of Honor. Those who could not attend the ceremony received their award in a private visit.
Pictured are Michelle Suzano, Breezy Bakery; Dan Tabor, FSEA President; Tom Anderson, Lazy Turtle; Bob Erwin, PDD; Gene Brown, Brown and Sons Funeral Home and City of Bradenton mayor; Donna Maree, Anna Maria Oyster Bar; Jim Galanio, Pig Out Restaurant; and Elsha Douquet, Exalted Ruler.
South Hillsborough Elks Host Dance for Lennard HS Students with Special Needs
- Details
- Written by South Hillsborough Elks
On April 14, South Hillsborough Elks Lodge #2672 sponsored a spring dance for the students at Lennard High School who have special needs. More than 75 children, parents and staff members were in attendance. They were so impressed, especially with Florida Elks Children’s Therapy Services, that they donated $400 to that program.
Pictured are Grace Bibisi, PER, event coordinator; Denny, a student; and Allan Ross, educator.
Lakewood Ranch-Sarasota Elks Raise Funds for Hooves with H.E.A.R.T.
- Details
- Written by JoAnn Reddy
On June 11, Lakewood Ranch-Sarasota Lodge held a breakfast and vendor fair to raise money for Hooves with H.E.A.R.T. (Horse Education and Riding Therapy). Their mission is to provide support and hope to individuals with special needs through equine-assisted activities and riding therapies. The lodge raised more than $1,200.
Pictured are two of the riding therapists, Susannah Cripe and Danielle Curtis.
South Hillsborough Host Graduation for RCMA Students
- Details
- Written by South Hillsborough Elks
On May 26, South Hillsborough Lodge sponsored a graduation for RCMA (Redlands Christian Migrant Association), whose motto is Opening Doors to Opportunities. These 44 young men and women had many achievements and the lodge members were proud to provide the building for their graduation.
Pictured are the students and guests.