On April 16 during a car show held at Lakewood Ranch-Sarasota Elks Lodge #2855, members held a stuff-the-truck fundraiser for Elks Feeding Empty Little Tummies. They received $1,000 worth of much-needed food for children and $600 in monetary donations from visitors to the show.
Pictured are EFELT volunteers and lodge members Paul Reddy, Brian Dunne and Jack Jernigan.
On March 11, Manasota Elks Past Exalted Rulers held a fundraiser 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. The lodge raised $2,405 for their programs.
Pictured at the donation presentation are (front row) Carol Sirianni, PDD; Pam McDowell, PER, president of Manasota PER Association; Danielle Curtis, president of Hooves with H.E.A.R.T.; and Doris Waddell, PDD. In the second row are Ken Davis, PDD; Jim Klocke, PER; and Dale Steinke, PER.
Palmetto Elks Lodge #2449 received a check for $800 and a plaque from the Manatee Power & Sail Squadron Feb. 12. The plaque thanked the lodge “for their continued support over the years and for 2022/3 in providing us with meeting spaces for various squadron functions and public boating courses. We look forward to many more years of working together. Again, our thanks and appreciation from the Manatee Power & Sail Squadron.” Pictured is Steve Baker, Exalted Ruler, receiving the check and plaque from Myles Gee, Commander.
On March 23, Lakewood Ranch-Sarasota Lodge presented certificates to the lodge Americanism essay contest winners. The theme was "What is Your American Dream?"
Pictured are Aly H.; Kaitlyn R.; Ally H.; Frank Iannello, Exalted Ruler; Lena L.; Nautica B.; Catherine P.; and Kathy Dattilo, Lodge Americanism Chair.
On March 4, Lakewood Ranch-Sarasota Lodge held a vendor fair and breakfast to raise money for Hooves with H.E.A.R.T., which provides riding therapy for those with special needs. Proceeds came from vendors’ rental space fees, a 50/50, and donations made by members and visitors. A total of $1,016 was raised.
Pictured are Ginny Pellizzaro, left, and LeeAnn Reich, right, Hooves with H.E.A.R.T. volunteers, with member Sarah Davis, event coordinator.
On Feb. 11, Lakewood Ranch-Sarasota Elks Lodge #2855 hosted a fundraising luau party, which featured authentic Hawaiian food, hula dancers and music. A total of $3,385 was raised for the Harry-Anna Trust Fund. Pictured are event chairs Kevin Burke, Lecturing Knight, and Marge Burke.
Bradenton Elks Lodge #1511 hosted a children's Christmas party Dec. 10. There were 21 local families in attendance and 49 children received gift bags and lunch with Santa.
Pictured is Maddie Gordon whispering her wish list to Santa.
South Hillsborough Lodge partnered with the Kiwanis Club to hold the annual Christmas Angel Tree program for children in foster care. On Dec. 16, gifts for 42 children were delivered to the Kiwanis Club.
Pictured are Grace Bibisi, PER, trustee, event chair, and Kim Przekop, President of the Southshore Kiwanis Club.
Manasota Lodge partnered with Abel Elementary School after Mary Lauderdale, fourth grade teacher, advised them of their need for white T-shirts in various sizes for their second annual Color Splash Walk-a-Thon Nov. 18. Using the lodge’s matching Beacon Grant funds from the Florida State Elks Association, 125 white t-shirts were purchased and donated. This event is a school fundraiser where students solicit donations before walking in a walk-a-thon with classmates. While they walk a one-mile track, there are six stations where different volunteers and staff members throw colored powder at the kids. At the last station, each student receives a popsicle to enjoy with their classmates. The participants raised money for the school.
Pictured are Jan “Spike” Klocke, lodge grant coordinator; Shawn Wheaton, lodge member; Mary Lauderdale, Abel ES teacher; Jim Klocke, lodge trustee; Elizabeth “Liz” Gardini, Abel ES teacher; and Abigail Reeder, Abel ES teacher.
Manasota Elks Lodge #2734 hosted its second painting party at their lodge with member Cheri Arciniega as the instructor. There were 23 lodge members and seven guests who participated. Each chose to paint either a Christmas picture or a Florida picture. They had lots of fun while raising $165 for the Florida Elks Youth Camp. Pictured are participants with their paintings.
On Dec. 10, Mary and Leon Duis, members of Lakewood Ranch-Sarasota Lodge, purchased and delivered cookie trays to 10 local fire departments in Sarasota and Manatee County. Every holiday season, the lodge provides various first responders with treats to thank them for their services.
Pictured are Lt. Rademan from Sarasota Fire Dept. and Leon Duis, lodge officer.
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.