Greetings, everyone. It’s hard to believe that my term as FLOE President for 2023-2024 has come to an end. I have been visiting each district at the State President’s visits and attending events hosted by the lodge Ladies organizations whenever I could. It has been an amazing journey and one I have truly enjoyed.
We held our 61st annual conference at The Shores Resort & Spa Sept. 20-21. The conference was well attended. The Friday night entertainment after dinner was a murder mystery show, provided by the Deep Creek Ladies of Elks, which was wonderful. They received a standing ovation.
At the conference, FECTS received $3,000 from the Angel Reverse Draw. During the general session, the lodge Ladies organizations presented donations totaling $16,665.73 to Florida Elks Children’s Therapy Services, donations totaling $16,117.23 to the Florida Elks Youth Camp, and gift cards totaling $750 for the camp mentorship program. This was a great job by the ladies across Florida. Evey lady truly lived up to the motto of “Be a Guiding Light.”
Over the past year, FLOE has noticed an increase in active participation for ladies across the state. On Sept. 8, 2024, we added the SouthShore Lady Elks of South Hillsborough Lodge #2672 to our list of Ladies organizations in Florida. PSP Connie Kalel-Poage and I had the honor of installing their charter officers. We wish them the best of luck as they grow and know they will do great things both in their local community and for the FSEA major projects. We have created a committee to help any lodge that wishes to start a Ladies organization. We know there are a few lodges considering it and we are here to help.
Our third annual Ladies Weekend at the Florida Elks Youth Camp was well attended, with 64 registered guests. I have no doubt it will be a sellout for 2025, being held April 11-13. It is a fun weekend for ladies across the state to come together and have a great time, without meetings, while taking in the beauty of the youth camp.
The second annual RV Rally, “Camping for the Kids,” was a huge success, generating $4,257.50 for the Florida Elks Youth Camp. Save the date for May 2-4, 2025, and join us for the third annual RV Rally. The location is to be determined. It promises to be a good time.
At the Grand Lodge convention in Austin, Texas, this past July, Florida hosted the very first workshop for Ladies (Elks and spouses) to get together and share event and fundraising ideas to increase attendance in our home lodges. The workshop was a great success. There were more than 100 people in attendance, with standing room only. Attendees participated in the discussion and shared great ideas. The only complaints we received were that the room was too small and that the workshop needed more time. I am pleased to say that the Grand Lodge has approved the Ladies’ workshop for the 2025 Grand Lodge convention in Kansas City, Missouri, and Florida will once again host. If you are attending the national convention, please join us.
Just a reminder: EVERY lady Elk, wife of an Elk and widow of an Elk is a member of FLOE, regardless of affiliation with a lodge Ladies organization. There are no applications to complete nor dues to pay. If you are a lady affiliated with an Elks lodge in the state of Florida, you are a member of FLOE. How active you choose to be is completely up to you.
Join us at the midyear meeting Nov. 16, 2024, and see what we have planned for 2024-2025. You will be glad you did. I made many friendships and created an extended family by attending a meeting. It was the best thing I have ever done. “We Are Family” and together we can make a difference in the lives of children throughout Florida.
Pauline