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Written by Anthony D'Abbraccio, PER

On April 13, Parrish Elks Lodge #2889 set up an Elks booth at the Florida Railroad Museum for an autism awareness event. They sold tickets for 21 raffle baskets and raised over $1,500 for Florida Elks Children's Therapy Services. They also signed up seven new members. Thirty-two members volunteered at the event. Clara Budynsky, Southwest District FECTS therapist, helped families with questions in the resource services area of the event. As families were leaving the event, parents thanked the members for bringing awareness and resources to them and their family members.

Pictured are Cynthia Bell, Florida Railroad Museum event coordinator; Matt Carter, PER, Leading Knight; Mike Carter, PER, Secretary; and Bob Dawe, Inner Guard and Membership Chair.

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Written by Cristin Rumler

On April 2, Sanford Elks Lodge #1241 celebrated Taco the dog at their First Wednesday Taco Night. Taco was found abandoned and tied up on the lodge property one year prior at the First Wednesday Taco Night and was rescued and given the name “Taco” by member Nancy Griffin. To celebrate Taco’s one-year anniversary of finding her furever home, members and guests who attended Taco Night brought dog food or cash donations. In total, 105 pounds of food and $335 in cash donations were collected and donated to Pet Alliance, a local shelter. Pet Alliance has a dedicated focus on the welfare and well-being of dogs and cats in Orange, Seminole and Osceola counties.

Pictured are Taco with the donations and a celebratory cake.

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Written by Susan Janes

Throughout March, the Cocoa Beach Elks Space Coast Antlers conducted a hygiene drive for veterans. They asked members of the lodge, the Antlers and the community to donate items such as toothpaste, deodorant, lotions and toothbrushes. The Antlers also recruited a few outside sponsors who collected items at their place of business — Aquatic Health & Rehab of Merritt Island and the Island Smoke Shop. Walmart also donated $100 for the Antlers to shop for their project. The Antlers presented the more than 800 items to lodge member Mary Ladwig, Veterans Chair, March 22, who delivered them to the local veterans organization.

Pictured are Antlers Jaden Haddock, Ruby Earich, Tristian Livingood, Liam Russell and Leo Haddock. Also pictured are Aquatic Health & Rehab staff members Kayla Cook, DPT and Caroline Mahar, DPT.

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Written by Cristin Rumler

Sanford Lodge has been assisting Lake Nona VA in starting a therapeutic garden at their facility for veterans with PTSD and experiencing homelessness. On March 5, members set up irrigation and on March 20, members began weeding and preparing the soil. This is one of three gardens the lodge hopes to complete at this location. This has been done with donations from members and local businesses.

Pictured is Bart Peterson, PDD, weeding.

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Written by Susan Slater

On Feb. 15, Zephyrhills Elks Lodge Activities Committee members Gwen Klamer and Cindy Pinto hosted a Mardi Gras party to raise funds for the Harry-Anna Trust Fund. On Feb. 20, lodge members went by bus to the Florida Elks Youth Camp to present the proceeds of $1,200.

Pictured is Beth Ipson, Harry-Anna Trust Fund Chair, with the raffle baskets at the Mardi Gras party. Also pictured in front of the lodge members are Beth Ipson; Elliott Gilbert, Assistant Camp Director; and Karl Finnimore, Exalted Ruler.

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Written by Billie Porche

On Feb. 7, Lakeland Elks Lodge #1291 held a fundraiser at the lodge to benefit the SPCA of Lakeland. Attendees were asked to bring either cat and dog food, peanut butter, cat and dog treats, or a cash donation. The event collected $5,000 and 1,018 pounds of cat and dog food, 13 pounds of peanut butter, and 41 pounds of cat and dog treats.

Pictured are Jo Hendon, member; Randy Richter, with the SPCA; Sandy Fuschetti, member; and Michelle Schlaack, trustee.