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Written by Renee Williams

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Lake City Elks Lodge #893 used proceeds from its April golf tournament to award $17,750 in scholarships to local high school seniors. Scholarships were awarded to 11 seniors at Columbia High School and four seniors at Fort White High School, recognizing students who exemplify academic excellence, community involvement and leadership. Presentations were made at Columbia High School May 6 and at Fort White High School May 8.

Pictured at CHS are Scholarship chair, Greg Beckman; students Lainey Grinstead, Peyton Sapp, Taylor Carroll,  Bethany Toreky, Haidyn Markham, Abigail Young, Madison Bailey,  Tai’Kenyan Forest, Jalesia Mayo, Cate Chancey, and Connor Sheilds; and Golf chair, Jerry Solenski.

Pictured at FWHS are Scholarship chair, Greg Beckman; students Hunter Southwell, Morgan Kelly, Kadence Compton, and Kaleigh Clements-Hamric; and Exalted Ruler, Renee Williams.

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Written by Anthony D'Abbraccio, PER

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On May 28, Tony Cummins and Kristen Siegel, the two teachers spearheading the Bull's Butler Children in Need program at Parrish Community High School, invited Parrish Elks Linda Tetrault, LeeAnn Mitchell, Ken Knight and Anthony D’Abbraccio, PER, to the school to receive a note of thanks from the students for all the lodge did for their program the past year. It was a 36" x 91" banner created by the students and signed by students and teachers. The lodge again received Elks National Foundation Beacon and Spotlight grants for the PCHS program this coming year for $14,000, which will be used for high-end items.

Pictured are teacher Tony Cummins; members Ken Knight, LeeAnn Mitchell, Linda Tetrault, and Anthony D'Abbraccio; teacher Kristen Siegel; and Principal Daniel Bradshaw.

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Written by Susan Janes

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The Space Coast Antlers of Cocoa Beach Lodge sponsored a ‘60s themed dinner June 6 and donated half of their proceeds, $245, to the Harry-Anna Trust Fund for the Florida Youth Camp, as many of them spend a week a camp and enjoy every minute.

Antlers pictured in the back are Michael Butler, Jaden Haddock, Milane Cognetti, Attia Cognetti and Roma Cognetti. Antlers pictured in the front are Leo Haddock, Liam Russell, Khloe Trent and Ruby Earich.

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Written by Rose Goodrich, PER

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On March 28, Dunedin/Clearwater Elks Lodge #1525 donated 19 bicycles, helmets, lights and locks for children at San Jose Elementary School in Dunedin for the Bikes for Books program. Depending on their grade level, students were required to read a specific number of books and explain the book. The teachers then chose two students from each class to reward them with a new bicycle, helmet, front and back lights, and a lock. These were presented to the children by lodge members at the school with the parents present. Additionally, the lodge donated $877.63 to replace worn and damaged library books.

Pictured are children with their new bicycles and Principal Katie Gualtieri receiving the check from Exalted Ruler Bryan Steele. Bob Murray, PER and Janice Brautigam, PER are in the background.

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Written by Lake City Elks

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Lake City Lodge held a fundraiser May 10 at the lodge for Ricky Crawford, a Columbia County community member battling cancer. The event raised $20,545 for the Crawford family. The benefit featured a barbecue dinner prepared by member Jerry Bullard, a live auction hosted by member Kerry Waldron, and entertainment from a local band. The event also served as a membership drive, showcasing the heart, fellowship and service that define the Elks.

Pictured are Jerry Solenski, Leading Knight; Stanley Cox, PDD, Treasurer; Ricky Crawford, benefit recipient; and Jerry Bullard, member.

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Written by Holly Balante

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On May 5, Naples Elks Lodge #2010 donated $2,500 to Lely High School in Naples to fund an event given by students who wanted to recognize the incredible leadership of their teachers and thank them. Lely High School is a multicultural, multiethnic and multilingual public school but functions as one community due to the incredible efforts of its educators.

Pictured are Fred Koch, lodge trustee; Jennifer Bledsoe, principal; and John Rudd, lodge member.

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Written by Live Oak Elks

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On June 1, Live Oak Elks Lodge #1165 promoted the Elks Drug Awareness program at the Wellborn Blueberry Festival on the Wellborn Community Center grounds. Elks provided Drug Awareness materials to children and families, helping educate and empower the community with tools for making healthy and safe choices. Elroy the Elk, always a crowd favorite, spread joy, smiles and important messages to kids and adults.

Pictured are Elroy the Elk (Drug Awareness Committee member Chad Hurst) posing with a local child. Also pictured are Verna Hurst, Drug Awareness Chair; Chad Hurst, Drug Awareness Committee Member; and Mikell Cook, Lecturing Knight.

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Written by Suzi Simonelli, PSP

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On April 26, Stuart-Jensen Elks Lodge #1870 held a fundraiser for the Brotherhood Ride, an group of first responders that bicycles across Florida each year to honor fallen first responders and raise money for their families. A committee of riders and staff along with lodge members coordinated and executed this fundraiser, which raised $10,000 from bingo games, raffles, silent auctions and 50-50 donations. Jeff Morse, PER, president and founder of the Brotherhood Ride, and his wife, Candy, were in attendance, along with other riders and support staff. It was also announced that the lodge will host the riders Oct. 27 on the 2025 ride.

Pictured are Jeff and Candy Morse.