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Written by Rita Smith, PER

Tampa Elk Shirley Menendez purchased 15 tickets to the low country boil that the Ladies of the Elks put on July 19. The tickets were given to the Lodge Veterans Committee so they could invite 15 veterans in temporary housing at the Salvation Army. The Salvation Army has partnered with the Veterans Administration and recently built a separate facility for veterans experiencing homelessness, and they have 50 beds dedicated to veterans. They have also purchased a 15-person van, so now they can include more of their clients in lodge excursions. The inclusion of female veterans is also recent, and three females came to the dinner, which consisted of crawfish, shrimp, clams, sausage, potatoes, corn and a roll. Dessert was a lemon crunch cake. It was a successful merging of the Elks, Ladies of the Elks and Salvation Army. The Ladies of the Elks did the cooking, Veterans Committee members worked as servers and the committee picked up the drinks tab. One of the Salvation Army staff members from another city was so impressed that he made a generous donation to the Veterans Committee.

Pictured are Shirley Menendez and some of the veterans.

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Written by Virginia Warfield

Members of St. Petersburg Elks Lodge #1224 donated school supplies worth approximately $800 during a back-to-school drive held in August.

On Aug. 19, Brian Haverfield, Exalted Ruler, right, presented these supplies to Tyrone Middle School's Family & Community Liaison, Brittany O’Brien.

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Written by Suzanne Cunningham

On Aug. 10, the Eustis Elks Lodge’s Anna Miller Circle held its first Jeans, Jewels & Jammin’ to the Music fundraiser for The Haven of Lake and Sumter Counties. For a $10 ticket, the event included a buffet of heavy appetizers, salads and desserts made and donated by Anna Miller Circle members and T.J. and his kitchen crew. There was also a silent auction of handmade jewelry donated by local award-winning artist, Julie Anstaett. Local rock band The Voodoo Gypsies performed as well. Because everything needed for this event was donated and/or paid for by The Anna Miller Circle, the lodge and generous community members, the event raised $4,800 for The Haven of Lake and Sumter Counties. This will help continue their work to support and provide assistance for domestic and sexual violence survivors through a 24-hour emergency shelter, 24-hour crisis helpline, counseling, legal advocacy sexual assault counseling, forensic assault exams, counseling for violence-exposed children, and so much more. 

Pictured are the pieces of donated jewelry for the auction and The Voodoo Gypsies on stage.

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Written by Cristin Rumler

Sanford Lodge hosted its third annual Family Fun Day and back-to-school supply drive giveaway July 30. This event was again made possible with an Elks National Foundation Beacon and Gratitude combo grant and a state association matching grant. The lodge gave out 312 prefilled backpacks, complete with all supplies from the elementary school supply list. Also included was a card for a free frozen custard, which was donated from Culver’s. The event also offered lunch, crafts and a balloon artist, as well as special stations from Sanford Police Department, Seminole County Sheriff’s office, and Florida Elks Children’s Therapy Services, with therapists Beth Thiers and Althea Montgomery. Attendance grows each year; this year there were more than 500 people in attendance, with a line out the door.

Pictured are the many event volunteers — members, spouses, children of members, volunteers, and FECTS therapists. Also pictured at the backpack station are Felicia Reber, spouse; Alessandra Equizi, granddaughter of Kathy and Donald Soderblom; Kathy Soderblom, spouse; and Donald Soderblom, member.

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Written by Port St. Lucie Elks

On July 26, 10 volunteers from Port St. Lucie Elks Lodge #2658 held a back-to-school barbecue at the St. Lucie County Boys and Girls Club. They passed out 110 new backpacks filled with new school supplies to all the children. They then barbecued hamburgers and hot dogs and served them with potato chips and drinks. One of the volunteers also made homemade ice cream. The children were excited for the backpacks but mostly for the ice cream!

Pictured are April Barth; Rick Barth, PER, Southeast Central District Deputy; Thomas Randazzo, PER, Exalted Ruler; and Rhonda McClain, St. Lucie County Boys and Girls Club director.

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Written by DeLand Elks

DeLand Elks Lodge #1463 held a community barbecue and cornhole tournament to benefit their neighbor and fellow veterans’ supporter, VFW Post 2380, after a fire destroyed their home. The VFW Post is just feet from the lodge and when the building went up in flames one Friday evening, lodge officers and members wanted to do all they could to help them. After weeks of planning and countless volunteer hours, the fundraiser was held June 22. It is estimated that more than 250 people attended throughout the day. The event included food, music, games, raffles and auction items, all of which were donated. On July 13, the lodge presented VFW Post 2380 with a check for $10,000 for their rebuild fund.

Pictured are Glen Fannin, Exalted Ruler; Bill Bell, VFW Post 2380 Commander; and Tony Gall, VFW Post 2380 Quartermaster.