On Dec. 19, Tampa Lodge hosted a pirate-themed children’s Christmas party. Some funding came from the lodge charity account, the Walgreens toy collection and a $150 Publix donation, but most funding came from generous donations of lodge members. There were 108 children and 78 parents who registered to attend. Numerous member and nonmember volunteers made the party a success. Each table had a volunteer to assist the families in the crafts and games. There were pirate ships, pirate hats, a Captain Hook game and a cannonball toss game. Shelagh Gombarcik, PER and the Ladies of Elks hosted a treasure hunt game in which the children had to find Tampa Lodge on a map. There were lots of prizes given away and Melissa Bertoch, chaplain, kept the fun going as she let each table’s winners compete for a grand prize winner by age group. Santa (Paul DeLand, Exalted Ruler) was escorted in by pirates from the Krewe of Sir Francis Drake thanks to new member, Rodney Kayton. They tossed beads to the children while Santa made his way to his chair. Each child visited with Santa and received a gift from member Candy Venable, Santa’s trusted elf. Member Kim Van Walker took each child’s picture with Santa. All the children who came in pirate attire were given a new Buccaneers flag, which were donated by member Jason Brown. The Drug Awareness committee provided coloring books and bags to all the children and committee member Ray Hendricks announced the poster contest. During the event, parents were invited back to the Antler room to shop for at least four gifts for each of their children. They were invited to wrap, tag and bow the gifts with member Shannon Wheatley’s assistance before putting them in their vehicles and returning to the party. Table volunteers ensured everyone was still having fun while the parents were away. Dee Cisneros, PER; Tommy Moore, trustee; and Rita Smith, Leading Knight, made spaghetti, salad and garlic bread for everyone, and there were ice cream sandwiches for dessert.
Pictured are Santa and three family members.