West Central District

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Written by Brian LoVetere

Holiday Isles Elks Lodge #1912 held a creative fundraising event to increase its number of Harry-Anna Trust Fund sustaining donors for the Florida Elks major projects. It was called “Fall for Harry-Anna” and was an anything-pumpkin cook-off. There were 14 dishes to taste and judge. Fall-themed baskets were and will be raffled off as different levels are reached. Four donors signed up during the event. Since the event, they have met the 25 donors goal and will raffle off a basket at the next orientation meeting.

Pictured are Jeff Rumler, PDD, Harry-Anna Trust Fund State Chair; Dan Masi, PER, FSEA Development Director; Carl Seibert, PDD, COO/State Secretary; Rhonda Smith, PER, District Harry-Anna Trust Fund Chair; Renee Singer, Lodge Harry-Anna Trust Fund Chair; and Sheila Tortorigi, Lodge Harry-Anna Trust Fund Vice Chair. They were very impressed with the lodge’s renewed energy toward gaining sustaining donors.

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Written by Virginia Warfield

St. Petersburg Elks Lodge #1224 held a fundraiser Nov. 11 for the family of fallen Pinellas County Police Deputy Michael Hartwick, who was killed in the line of duty. The event raised $3,000.

Pictured are lodge members Patrick Mulligan, retired Pinellas County Deputy Sheriff; Eric Loveday, Pinellas County Deputy Sheriff; and Doug Breyette. 

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Written by Virginia Warfield

On Dec. 16, members of St. Petersburg Elks Lodge #1224 filled 332 Christmas food bags to help 1,328 adults and children in need for the holidays. Funds were used from the $2,500 Elks National Foundation Gratitude Grant and $2,500 of Florida State Elks Association matching Beacon Grant funds. The total value of the bags was $9,420. Heidi Green, Leading Knight, organized the event.

Members are pictured with the bags.

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Written by Paula Twaits

On Nov. 28, Tarpon Springs Elks Lodge #1719 used its $6,000 Elks National Foundation Beacon Grant to support the Tarpon Springs Cops ‘n Kids program with a fun day at the youth center, put on by 20 Elks volunteers. The program is a free after-school program committed to empowering children and teens for lifelong success and greater quality of life. Officer Quinones of the Tarpon Springs Police Department is the program director. At the event, each child was given a personal hygiene kit and a lunchbox to fill with healthy snacks and drinks. The children made thank-you cards for veterans, worked on arts and crafts, and enjoyed pizza. Chief Young from the Tarpon Springs Police Department was also at the event. Bob Gorby, PER presented Officer Quinones an Elks appreciation award and two checks — one for $1,500 for the program for children with special needs and one for $1,500 for sports equipment needed at the center.

Pictured are Paula Twaits, grant chair; Lee Twaits; Officer Quinones; Carol Janisz; Chief Young; Nancy Gorby and Bob Gorby.

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Written by Carol Lee Spages

New Port Richey Lodge donated 45 food boxes and turkeys to residents in need in the community a few days prior to Thanksgiving. The food was from the lodge food pantry, which is stocked using funds from the Elks National Foundation Beacon and Gratitude grants. Each box was valued at approximately $50.The boxes were assembled by Rebecca Soto, grant chair, and her membership team. This is an annual project for the lodge. 

Pictured are recipients Sarah and Avdo Thompson and Rebecca Soto.

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Written by Carol Lee Spages

New Port Richey Lodge members donated more than six pickup truckloads of personal care items, cleaning supplies and other emergency necessities to aid those who were severely affected by Hurricane Ian in southwest Florida. A local roofing company made the delivery with its vehicles in early October, soon after the hurricane hit. The roofing company got involved because it will be putting a new roof on the lodge.