Southwest Central District

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Written by Ronna Mason, PER

Sebring Elks Lodge #1529 participated in the 22nd annual softball classic April 2 at the Highlands County Sports Complex in Sebring, Florida, by making a $700 donation. Jonathan Spiegel, Exalted Ruler, was asked to throw out the first pitch to start the games. This event was hosted by the Aktion Club of Highlands County, where more than 130 athletes with disabilities participated. The teams were divided into three levels based on their skills. The funds will be used to provide various sports and recreational activities for the members and others with disabilities, which in turn provides exercise and opportunities to socialize. Cindy Marshall, advisor to the Kiwanis Aktion Club, organized the tournament.

Pictured are Jonathan Spiegel throwing the first pitch and the All-Star wall, which includes the lodge’s name.

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Written by Mary Lou Scribner, PER

On Feb. 18, Robin Rutzke, Veterans Chair, and Sharon Hammersla, PDD were at Brandon Elks Lodge #2383 early in the morning accepting food donations from lodge members. These dedicated Elks have organized the drive-thru food drive since the beginning of the pandemic. At this collection, members donated 235 pounds of food, which Hammersla delivered to the Nativity Food Pantry. Julie Ebert, Past Lady President, volunteers at the pantry and was there for the food delivery. Those at Nativity Food Pantry always look forward to receiving the lodge’s donations, as the members always donate the most-needed items, and they love that the cans aren’t dented! 

Pictured are Julie Ebert and Sharon Hammersla, PDD.

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Written by Sharon Hammersla, PDD

Brandon Elks Lodge #2383 used its $8,000 Elks National Foundation Beacon Grant to support five local Title I schools. On Feb. 17, representatives of the five schools were guests at the lodge for a steak dinner and received $1,600 for each of their schools to use for children’s needs.

Pictured are Robin Rutzke, Veterans Chair; Nancy Rometo of Yates Elementary; Sharon Hammersla, PDD, lodge grants coordinator; Kelly Touckton of Willis Peters Exceptional School; Gina Becker and Kelly Brocato of Dover Elementary; Heidi Myer and Sara Schwanzl of Lopez Exceptional School; Lauren Leto of Brandon High School; Marionette Garvey; Exalted Ruler; and Mary Lou Scribner, PER.

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Written by Arcadia Elks

Arcadia Lodge #1524 collected 110 gifts and gave them to the Arcadia Police Department for Santa to deliver!

Pictured are Brian Burns, PSP with Quinn Jones, lodge member and Arcadia City Marshall.

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Written by Mary Lou Scribner, PER

Brandon Lodge #2383 collected 1,043 toys from local Walgreen stores. The Brandon PER Association chairs and organizes this event for the lodge. Lodge volunteer members collected the gifts and other members sorted and arranged them for the exciting distribution day. Some toys were used for the Brandon Ladies’ Breakfast with Santa. Other toys were made available for the lodge Christmas party Dec. 18 with nearly 200 children from foster care. On Dec. 19, all the remaining toys were distributed. FECTS therapists Paula Tarver and Yvette Lambert were invited to take toys for their clients. Representatives from Willis Peters for Exceptional Needs School and Caminiti Exceptional Center School filled bags of toys for their students. Staff members from three Title 1 schools chose toys for students from families in need. An ad litem representative was thrilled to gather toys for the various children she represents and helps throughout the year. Lodge Veterans Chair, Robin Rutzke, collected items for ROTC students.

Pictured are Jose Velazquez from Walgreens and Marionette Sexton-Garvey, Exalted Ruler.