Southwest Central District

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Written by Brandon Elks

Brandon Elks Lodge #2383 made a $1,000 donation June 2 to the Tunnels to Towers Foundation, which was founded by Frank Siller, whose brother, Stephen, was a firefighter killed when the twin towers collapsed 9/11.  Since 9/11, Tunnels to Towers Foundation has supported Gold Star families (the immediate family members of fallen service members), families of fallen first responders, veterans and first responders who have suffered injuries in the line of duty. The lodge funded $500 and it was matched by a lodge member. The donation was earmarked for the "Let Us Do Good" village in Land O' Lakes, Florida. Tunnels to Towers has forecasted 100 homes to be built on the donated land in Land O' Lakes for injured veterans, first responders and the families of the fallen in this first-of-a-kind neighborhood.

Pictured is Frank Siller, president/chair/CEO of Tunnels to Towers Foundation, accepting the donation.

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Written by Mary Lou Scribner, PER

Brandon Elks Lodge #2383 held its quarterly drive-thru food collection June 25. Brandon Ladies of Elks member Linda Craft filled in for Sharon Hammersla, PDD and teamed with Robin Rutzke, lodge officer and Brandon Ladies of Elks member, to collect 238 pounds of food, valued at approximately $404. The food was donated by 23 Elks and three non-Elks. These quarterly drive-thru collections were started by Rutzke and Hammersla during the pandemic in 2020 as a safe and easy way for members to continue to support their community, and the collections continue today because of member support. The food is donated to the Nativity Food Bank, which distributes it to those in need as well as to other food banks. Brandon Ladies of Elks member Julie Ebert also volunteers at food band was at the warehouse to accept the donations.

Pictured are Linda Craft, Robin Rutzke and Julie Ebert.

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Written by Ronna Mason

For the 10th year and using its $2,000 Elks National Foundation Gratitude Grant, Sebring Lodge was a sponsor for the Highlands Lakeside Theatre Children's Summer Camp. There were 68 children ages eight through 18 at this four-week session. The goals of the camp are to "teach and appreciate the arts, grow in personal confidence, develop effective communication skills, become problem solvers, and to collaborate well with others." A play is performed as the last part of the program. This year's play was titled “Zanadu Jr.,” and members Judy Hanson, Becca Carpenter, and Jim and Ronna Mason represented the lodge at the show. 

Pictured presenting the check with the group behind them are Jonathan Spiegel, Exalted Ruler; Tracy Schuknecht, theatre director; and Judy Hanson, PER, Secretary.

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Written by Ronna Mason

On June 15, Sebring Lodge donated $200 to the Sebring JROTC and thanked them for their assistance with the Florida Elks state golf tournament dinner. The Air Force JROTC program teaches citizenship and life skills and air and space fundamentals; promotes community service; and instills responsibility, character, and self-discipline through character education.

Dennis Green, retired Air Force Chief Master Sergeant accepts the check from Jim Mason, PDD.

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Written by Mary Lou Scribner, PER

Brandon Elks Lodge #2383 used its Elks National Foundation Beacon Grant along with the Florida State Elks Association matching funds to support five local Title 1 schools. The lodge has a long history of supporting and interacting with their local schools and used this grant donation as another opportunity to build a stronger community. On March 4, Sharon Hammersla, District Deputy and Brandon Lodge’s grant coordinator, accompanied by Mary Lou Scribner, PER, met with the five school principals and delivered checks for $1,400 each. The schools that received these donations were Willis Peters Exceptional Center in Dover, Lopez Exceptional Center and Seffner Elementary School in Seffner, and Mintz Elementary School and Yates Elementary School in Brandon.

Pictured at Yates Elementary School are Lisa Varnum, principal/administrator; Mary Lou Scribner, PER; Sharon Hammersla, District Deputy and lodge grant coordinator; and Vaniece Johnson, social worker.