Florida Elks News Editor:
Rachael King
 
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Florida State Elks Association Inc.
P.O. Box 49
Umatilla, FL 32784-0049
352-669-9443

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1529 pace

For the last several years, Sebring Lodge has sponsored the Walk for Memories, hosted by Change of Pace, an adult daycare and activity center for older adults with Alzheimer’s disease, dementia and other memory care needs. On July 16, the lodge donated $250 from the charity bingo account to the Sam McKissock Sponsorship Fund, which is used to help caregivers cover the cost of daycare for seniors. At no charge, caregivers can drop off the senior citizens in their care at the center for the day to socialize and do activities with other people their age. This frees caregivers to do errands or go to appointments that they can’t do while caring for a senior citizen. The Change of Pace staff also offers support groups for the caregivers.

Pictured are Brenda Richards, lodge member, and Cora Swingle, Change of Pace administrator.

 

1529 mission

On Aug. 1, the Sebring Elks Lodge Veterans Committee received a donated refrigerator from ABC Appliance in Sebring. The committee then donated the refrigerator, along with other personal and hygiene items, to the New Testament Church and Mission in Sebring. The Mission helps veterans as well as unhoused members of the community with essential services such as feeding, clothing, housing and emotional support.

Pictured are Brenda Walton, Loyal Knight and Veterans Chair; Ron Schillfarth, trustee and Veterans Committee member; and Josh Young, Mission’s head Men’s director.

 

2383 tackle

On July 30, Brandon Elks Lodge #2383 donated $2,500 to the Dover Patriots, a tackle football and cheerleading organization for children in Dover and its surrounding communities. The program’s mission is to provide an environment for student athletes to learn life skills such as goal setting, responsibility and leadership. The organization's goal is to encourage sportsmanship and physical fitness activities while prioritizing the importance of scholastic achievement. This nonprofit organization relies on fundraising activities and sponsorship donations from the community. The lodge donation will be used to help with expenses for uniforms, sneakers, bows and anything else needed by the football and cheerleading organization. The program is available for Mighty Mites (ages 5-6), Peewee (ages 7-8), Midgets (ages 9-10), Junior Varsity (ages 11-12) and Varsity (ages 13-14). Pictured are coaches, parents, football players and cheerleaders.

Pictured in the back left with them are Lou Valencia, Exalted Ruler, and Marionette Garvey, PER.

 

1529 flash

On July 16, Sebring Elks Lodge #1529 donated $300 from the bingo charity fund to provide supplies for the Flash Stars Achievement Center. The nonprofit center was founded by Vernetta Bolton, who has 27 years of experience working with children in various settings. She has always wanted to run her own organization to help children in the community. All children in grades K-3 who reside in Highlands County are welcome to join. Flash Stars stands for Family, Love, Accountability, Success, Honor, Safety, Trust, Academics, Responsibility and Stellar.

Pictured are Brenda Walton, Loyal Knight and Veterans Chair, and Vernetta Bolton, Flash Stars Achievement Center director.

 

1727 flag

Aden Schiavone, a junior honor student at Plant City High School and a member of the JROTC elected to make his Eagle Scout project a patriotic flag box. On May 14, Aden donated the handmade box to Plant City Elks Lodge #1727. Members of the lodge and the community are already using the box to drop off worn and tattered United States flags for proper retirement.

Pictured are Aden Schiavone and Judy Wise, PER.