On Feb. 3, Port Orange Elks Lodge #2723 was honored at the second annual Mayor’s Gala by Daytona Beach mayor, Derrick Henry. The gala was held at the Daytona Beach Hilton Oceanfront Resort and is the major annual fundraiser to combat homelessness in Volusia County. The lodge received the 2024 Community Champion Award, which is presented to an individual or group that has played a remarkable role in supporting and strengthening their local community through selfless acts of philanthropy and service. The lodge has supported the First Step Homeless Shelter in Daytona Beach since 2019, using funds from the Elks National Foundation Beacon Grant and matching funds from the Florida State Elks Association’s Harry-Anna Trust Fund. The lodge has provided metal shelving for both the men’s and women’s dormitories, kitchen equipment, a propane gas grill, and, most recently, five new Hewlett Packard computers. Lodge members cook on the gas grill at least once each month and serve a Saturday lunch to all the residents and staff members. They also interact with the residents and learn their stories, as they truly care that they succeed in returning to society at large. Even during the COVID-19 crisis, lodge members were at the shelter every month. 

Pictured are Frank Tamberelli, PSP, Lodge Advisor; Debra Nordgren, Exalted Ruler; Gary VanOpdorp, trustee and East Central District Vice President; and Derrick Henry, Daytona Beach mayor.