Deep Creek Elks Lodge #2763 hosted its second annual Tunnel to Towers (T2T) charity benefit Sept. 11. Generous donations were received from National Merchants, local businesses and individuals. Two silent auctions were held, one for a 20-person wine tasting from Total Wine & More and another for a painting created by lodge member Karen French of the T2T mirror pool memorial and observatory. Free meals were given to all active and retired first responders and military members. The event generated $2,141 in donations through food, gifts, raffles and the silent auctions. The lodge agreed to match these donations using its charity account. As an additional donation, the lodge also agreed to match the cost of the donated food, which totaled $413.45. The T2T foundation was formed after 9/11 to assist America’s heroes by providing mortgage-free homes to Gold Star families and families of fallen first responders with young children and by building custom-designed smart homes for catastrophically injured veterans and first responders. They are also committed to eradicating veteran homelessness and aiding the victims of major U.S. disasters.

Pictured are Scott Phillips, Exalted Ruler; Jack Upton, event chair; and members Darryl Martin and Chuck Paulson preparing meals in the kitchen.

Also shown is the painting from the silent auction.