Southwest Central District

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Written by Ronna Mason

On Feb. 28, $400 was presented to both the Sebring Little League baseball and softball teams. PER Ronna Mason presented the check to softball coaches, Sandy Lewis and Lacy Deloach. The players pictured are Keely Lewis and Kinly Johnston. The team’s players range from 7-14 years old. The monies will be applied to offset league expenses. PDD Jim Mason presented the baseball team’s check to Bobby Green on the Elks Field. The Elks are sponsoring a team of boys 11-12 years old in the Ozone League.

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Written by Ronna Mason

Sebring Lodge held its first golf tournament for Sebring’s JR ROTC program. The event was held at Harder Hall Golf Course and had 26 teams participate. The JR ROTC members worked very hard getting hole sponsors and prizes as well as helping during the tournament. With additional assistance from cadets’ parents, lodge members, retired Col. Mark Colbert and retired Chief Dennis Green, $5,300 was raised for the program.

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Written by Judy Wise

Plant City Elks Lodge #1727 donated $75-gift cards to each of the 28 children and five caregivers at Everyday Blessings in Eastern Hillsborough County Feb. 3. Everyday Blessings is a home-like atmosphere for abused and neglected children and children with unsafe home issues. It is one of the few locations where siblings can stay together. The cards were purchased using an Elks National Foundation grant. The children, who have had a rough time in their short lives, were so excited when told they could spend their money on anything they wanted!

1727 everyday: Plant City Lodge First Lady, Maria; Exalted Ruler, Ron Johns; and member Judy Wise present $75-gift cards to children and caregivers at Everyday Blessings Feb. 3.

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Written by Ronna Mason

Sebring Elks Lodge #1529 received the $2,000 Elks National Foundation Gratitude Grant and presented $1,000 each to Avon Park High Jr. ROTC and Sebring High Jr. ROTC. Ken Hedges, Exalted Ruler, presented the check to Col. Chris Caudill from Avon Park. Chris Hanchey, Loyal Knight, presented the check to Col. Mark Colbert, Chief Dennis Green, and cadet/Lt. Col. Micah Marsh from Sebring High.

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Written by Tony Bonacum

On Dec. 15, Lakeland Lodge hosted their annual Christmas party for the Lakeland-Mulberry Boys and Girls Club using an Elks National Foundation Promise Grant. Lodge members donated over $1,000-worth of toys and crafts. Members Leroy and Nancy Bowden again donated 20 bikes to be given to the children who also received multiple toys and clothes handed out by Santa. The children enjoyed a bounce house and pony rides and got glitter tattoos. A pizza lunch including punch and Christmas cupcakes was served. Elroy the Elk made a special appearance handing out drug awareness coloring books and bags with the help of one of many Elk elves. Lakeland firefighters were on hand giving a tour of the fire truck and explaining fire safety to the children. Lodge member Jaime Cook showed up with his Channel 8 News van and let the children view the inside of the van and explained how it all works. Crafts and games were enjoyed throughout the day as well. Each child had their photo taken with Santa and put in a frame to take home. A giving tree was also set up for the children not attending the party.