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Written by Gainesville Elks

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On Aug. 31, Gainesville Elks Lodge #990 hosted bingo games with silent auction and raffles to support Second Chance Pet Rescue, a local pet adoption business. The event, led by member Bernice Porterfield, retired First Class Petty Officer RM1(SW), pictured, raised $1,052.

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Written by Naples Elks

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Naples Elks Lodge #2010 donated its $4,000 Elks National Foundation Beacon Grant to the Domestic Animal Shelter of Collier County. These funds will be used to purchase items needed for pets waiting to be fostered or adopted. 

Pictured are Merdith McLean, division director, with pet Carson; Jonee Willette, DAS program manager; Brian Kamp, Lodge Grant Coordinator; Patty Teulet, DAS coordinator; Arlene Hansen, Lodge Secretary; Chery Musser, lodge member & DAS volunteer; and Charla Phelps, DAS volunteer and foster parent to Romeo.

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Written by Jacksonville Elks

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Jacksonville Elks Lodge #221 recently provided Welcome Home Kits to two veterans from Women Veterans Ignited. On July 28, Linda, an Army veteran, received a bed as well as pantry and household items. The rest of her furniture was delivered Aug. 2. She is a senior and was extremely grateful for all she received, especially since she shared that at one point she had been homeless and living on cement. She is pictured with Karen Tracy, Lodge Veterans Chair. On Aug. 5, another veteran received her kit, which included a bed, recliner, household items and other furniture. Pictured are Elaine Spencer, WVI client navigator, and Courtney Griffin, WVI COO, who delivered the kit along with Karen Tracy, Lodge Veterans Chair.

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Written by Susan Janes

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Cocoa Beach Elks and the Space Coast Antlers held a food drive from June 10 to July 10. Nonperishable food was requested for local food pantries to assist in feeding the community during the summer months when students are not receiving meals at school. 

On July 26, Susan Janes, Secretary, delivered donations to Kim Mitchell of the Lutheran Church of the Resurrection in Cocoa Beach, and on Aug. 1, she delivered donations to Elaine Maus of Club Zion. On Aug. 13, she and Bob Janes, Exalted Ruler, delivered the last portion of donations to Tom Jordan of St. Vincent de Paul, center.

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Written by Viera Elks

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On July 19, Viera Antlers hosted a car wash fundraiser for Family Promise of Brevard, a charitable organization whose mission is to eradicate homelessness for families in Brevard County. Long Doggers, a restaurant in Viera, hosted the event in their parking lot, which is located on a major thoroughfare. They raised $500 and used it to purchase and donate over 300 school supply items, pictured, to the organization.

Pictured in the front row are Antlers Lexi Fryer, Evelyn Djie, Devon Djie, Emilie Ditscheit, Donald Ahlin and Jake Vargas. In the back row are Antler Patrick Bush and advisors Don Ahlin, Eric Enrique, Heidi Vargas, Tommy Vargas and Alison Ditscheit.

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Written by Parr

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On Aug 17, 24 Parrish Elks Lodge members attended the first Parrish Park Summerfest at the new Parrish Community Park. Member Jeff Egelston was the DJ and there were food trucks, more than 20 vendors, children's games, arts and crafts, a fire truck for children to step aboard, a water area, raffle baskets, and more. The lodge had a membership tent and held a 50/50 raffle. The winner of the raffle donated the $172 back to the lodge for the building fund. Many people stopped to hear about the Elks and take application forms.

Pictured are members Matt Carter, Mike Carter and Sandee D'Abbraccio making cotton candy for patrons.

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Written by Live Oak Elks

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On Aug. 26, members of Live Oak Elks Lodge #1165 welcomed Carol Johnson, executive director of Vivid Visions Domestic Violence Center in Live Oak, to present a $3,000 donation from the Elks National Foundation Gratitude Grant. The center’s mission is to provide a temporary safe place for survivors of domestic violence.  They also offer free counseling, day care referrals, assistance with injunctions, legal assistance referrals, accompaniment to court, support in crisis hotline, domestic violence training, prevention class in school and DCF advocate liaisons.

Pictured are Cathy Davis, Exalted Ruler; Carol Johnson, Vivid Visions executive director; and Lori Watson, Lodge Grants Coordinator.

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Written by David McCranie, PER

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On Aug. 19, DeLand Elks Lodge #1463, in conjunction with Veterans Administration and Changing Homelessness, a veteran-focused group, held an event at the lodge to provide information and assistance to unhoused veterans in Volusia County. The event helped 14 veterans find permanent housing, that day. It also provided veterans with information about legal help, navigating the VA process, suicide prevention, transportation, and medical care through the VA's mobile medical facility (pictured), which was also at the event. The lodge donated $500 to the program and over 50 veterans were assisted during the event.