When Brandon Ladies of Elks’ Past Lady President Terri Ciesla met with a woman interested in renting the hall for a Christmas party, she immediately saw a perfect fit for what the Elks do. She got permission from the board to proceed, and on Dec. 18, the lodge partnered with Family Forever Tampa Bay and put on a Christmas party for almost 200 children in foster care along with their families of more than 75 adults. The Brandon Ladies of Elks purchased food, tablecloths and decorations using the more than $1,800 that was raised from a bunco fundraiser, which Ciesla organized and put on in record speed. The ladies brought in cupcakes for dessert. The lodge donated the use of the hall and building. Brandon Elks and Ladies cooked, set up, organized, decorated, cleaned up, and chose and organized toys. Santa (member Mark Fox) and the Grinch (member Donald Harrison) were in attendance. With extra toys that were gathered from the Walgreens-Elks gift drive, Santa was able to let each child pick out a toy to take home. Family Forever Tampa Bay is a non-profit organization that cares for foster children; adopted and kinship children; and children who have been abused, abandoned or neglected. The organization finds forever families to adopt.
Pictured is the Grinch with the toys for children to choose from.