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Written by Anthony D'Abbraccio

One of the Gary Sinise Foundation’s programs, with help from its partners, builds specially adapted smart homes for severely wounded veterans. On Jan. 21, Parrish Elks Lodge members Clark and LouAnn Christensen, Dawn Watkins, Ken Knight, and Anthony D'Abbraccio attended a ceremony at Parrish's Twin River subdivision for wounded U.S. Marine Corps Lance Corporal (Ret.) John “JT” Doody. His home, currently under construction, will be a custom, smart-technology home with features that will give him greater autonomy and independence while giving his mother, Christine, who lives with him, peace of mind. A Sinise Foundation senior member shared JT's story and thanked him for his service, and attendees wrote messages of gratitude, love and appreciation on the walls of JT's home. On Feb. 5, the lodge approved a motion to purchase a brick for $250 to be placed at the base of JT's flagpole. Brick donations help offset the house construction costs.

Pictured are JT Doody in a van and a group picture during the event.

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Written by Rose Goodrich, PER

On Feb. 22, members of Dunedin/Clearwater Elks Lodge #1525 carpooled for a visit to Baldomero Lopez Veterans Nursing Home in Land O’ Lakes. Members cooked hamburgers and chicken with sides, drinks, and dessert and served them to the veterans and staff members at the facility.

Pictured are Larry Miller; Don Wooldridge; Peter Glushko; Janice Brautigam, PER; Rose Goodrich, PER; Sue Hardy, acting kitchen supervisor; and Ursula Taylor.

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Written by Viera Elks

On Feb. 22, Viera Elks Lodge #2817 participated in a fundraiser for Family Promise of Brevard, an organization that helps families with children that are experiencing homelessness. The event raised more than $30,000. Using funds from the Elks National Foundation Gratitude Grant, the lodge donated an extreme charcuterie board that helped feed 250 ticket holders for the event and presented a $1,500 check.

Pictured are William Orblych, PER; Mark Harrell, incoming Exalted Ruler; Kasha Harrell, trustee and House Chair; and Wendy Carns, PER, District Deputy.

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Written by Susan Janes

The Space Coast Human Resources Association of Florida Board of Directors asked to partner with Cocoa Beach Elks Lodge #2387 in supporting veterans in Brevard County. Board member Jennifer Dickson is the daughter of member Jim Dickson, which is how she knew about the veterans programs at the lodge. The Space Coast Human Resources Association serves the human resources professionals in the central and northern portions of Brevard County. They strive to provide its members with educational programs at the monthly professional development meetings. The programs include nationally recognized speakers on topics of practical importance to the members. The monthly professional development meetings also provide an opportunity for members to network and share information and resources. In addition, the chapter consistently provides its members with valuable information through its interactive website, where members and potential members can find chapter information and links to other human resources-related websites. Throughout its history, the chapter has supported many local charities. In 2025, they are focusing on veterans. They have already donated more than 30 backpacks stuffed with full-size hygiene items for veterans who are homeless or at-risk. The lodge distributed them to three of its partner agencies — VA, HFH and VOA — so they can be directly donated to veterans with the most need. The Board of Directors has offered to assist any veteran with resume building, practice interviews and job hunting skills. They also adopted two of the lodge’s low-income veteran families for Christmas, purchasing numerous gifts as well as gift cards for the parents.

Pictured with backpacks are Jacklin Fisher, workforce readiness director; Suzanne Witenhafer, immediate past president; Mary Ladwig, Lodge Veterans Chair; Linda Radencic, sponsorship director; Jennifer Dickson, secretary; and James Crook, president.

Pictured with gifts are Mcshell Alvarez-Rivon, membership director; Jim Dickson, lodge member; Jennifer Dickson, secretary; James Crook, president; Jeanne Dickson, lodge member; and Mary Ladwig, Lodge Veterans Chair.

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Written by Susan Janes

Members of Cocoa Beach Elks Lodge #2387 started a hurricane relief drive in the community to assist those in North Carolina and Florida affected by the 2024 hurricanes. The members who started the project approached the lodge about become a staging and sorting center for the relief project. The community outpouring was overwhelming. The lodge was full of bins, clothes, food and other essential items. A team of members and community members sorted the items, which were sent to Boone, North Carolina, in two trips, and to Tarpon Springs Elks Lodge #1719.

Pictured are relief items at the lodge.

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Written by Naples Elks

On Feb. 8, Naples Elks Lodge members set up a booth at the Marco Island Farmers Market to share information about the Elks Drug Awareness program and items such as water bottles, pamphlets and coasters. The booth was set up at 6:15 a.m. and lasted until 1 p.m. They talked with more than 110 residents and visitors on the island.

Pictured are Denise Holmes, Drug Awareness Chair, and Margaret Gray, PER.