For about eight years, Tampa Lodge has used the Elks National Foundation Beacon Grant to provide a holiday meal for those who are homeless at Open Arms Ministry, a division of Hyde Park United Methodist Church. Originally, they fed 200 to 300 people the Sunday before Thanksgiving, but that population dwindled greatly during COVID, as some were moved across the county into shelters and others did not survive. This year, they fed approximately 100 people. All the food was prepared at the lodge. The shopping started more than a week in advance, and the cooking started Thursday, when the 55 pounds of boneless breasts were cooked. On Saturday, Douglas Grant, Steve Kraft, Jeremy Elkins, Ruth Levin and Norm Jones prepped the side dishes. On Sunday, Doug Grant and Jackie Jacobs made the gravy and ran everything through the oven. At 10:30 a.m. the cars were loaded and headed to the church. They were greeted by lodge members Kim Van Walker and Michael Volpe. Susan Brandise and a dozen girls from her rowing team from the Academy of the Holy Names helped them again this year. Elks Patty Volpe, Richelle Nickle, young Jacob, Sue Dawson, Joe Dawson, Rita Smith and Amy Morantes rounded out the Elks crew. Guests were treated to roasted turkey breast, stuffing, mashed potatoes, gravy, green bean casserole, candied yams, corn, cranberry sauce, roll with butter, and pumpkin pie with whipped cream. It was much more food than they are to used to getting at one meal, and the line for seconds was very short. Fruit was also offered to the guests. It is purchased weekly by a parishioner who is a pediatrician.

Pictured are lodge and rowing team members serving, Jeremy Elkins and Douglas Grant  prepping dinner, and Ruth Levin and Norm Jones dishing out cranberry sauce.