Details

Written by Carmen Rivera

Hits: 163

Orlando Elks Lodge participated in the annual Elks Drug Awareness poster contest, an initiative to educate and empower young minds to make positive choices. This year’s theme, "Throw Away Drugs — Not Your Future," encouraged students to express their understanding of the dangers of drug abuse through creativity and art. The top 13 winners were students from Waterford Elementary School, with support from Principal Danielle Arbae-Willis and art teacher Donna Lindsay. First place winner, third grader Celestia Lee, won $100 and expressed that "drugs belong in the garbage and should never be given to children or families." Second place winner, third grader Vivienne Emerson, won $75. She showcased her school pride by illustrating the school’s lion mascot as a hero, protecting students and keeping drugs away. Third place winner, fourth grader Jagger Bohne, won $50. She created a striking visual to demonstrate how "Drugs are Death," emphasizing the road to destruction, despair and death. She shared that while she has never personally experienced this issue, she has seen its impact through news and social media, referencing the loss of former One Direction member Liam Payne.

On Feb. 24, a ceremony was held at the school to honor the winners. Each child received a gift bag filled with school supplies, affirmation cards and trophies. However, the biggest excitement came from the one-year free ice cream gift card, generously donated by Carlos Rivera, manager of Wendy’s #1171. Students enjoyed refreshments, snacks and cookies. PER Dale Schmit donated five dozen chocolate chip cookies for the school staff and children.

The Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks remains committed to raising awareness through poster, writing and video contests that engage America’s youth in understanding the dangers of drug abuse. Carmen Rivera, lodge trustee and chair of the Drug Awareness poster contest, shared, “As a parent, grandparent and retired law enforcement officer, I understand the importance of protecting our children from the dangers that lurk in our communities. We must work together to keep our kids safe and ensure that they throw away drugs — not their future. The Orlando Elks Lodge 1079 takes great pride in leading this mission in our beloved City Beautiful, Orlando.”

Pictured with the top three winners are Victor Berrios, Exalted Ruler; Jennifer Hicks, vice principal; Carmen Rivera, contest chair; Donna Lindsay, art teacher; Dale Schmit, PER; and Corporal Werner, Orange County Sheriff Office. Also pictured is Carlos Rivera, Wendy’s manager.

Details

Written by Susan Janes

Hits: 208

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.

Details

Written by Anthony D'Abbraccio

Hits: 224

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.

Details

Written by Susan Janes

Hits: 204

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.

Details

Written by Rose Goodrich, PER

Hits: 238

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.

Details

Written by Naples Elks

Hits: 193

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.

Details

Written by Viera Elks

Hits: 181

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.

Details

Written by Carmen Rivera

Hits: 242

Orlando Elks Lodge #1079 made a heartfelt impact Jan. 5 by hosting two events for the Down Syndrome Association of Central Florida community — a baby shower followed by the Three Kings event. Funded by the Elks National Foundation Spotlight Grant, this initiative brought vital resources and unforgettable moments of celebration to families raising children with Down syndrome. The baby shower was for families with infants who have Down syndrome, as well as expectant parents in the DSACF. The lodge provided essential items such as diapers, baby wipes, ointments and nutritious food pouches, supplies that are especially critical for families facing the unique challenges of extended diaper use due to developmental delays.

A highlight of the day was the presentation by author Wanda Reyes, who read her heartwarming children’s book, “Valentino's Purpose.” This story follows the journey of Valentino, a service dog with a flair for fashion, and teaches young readers about diversity, self-expression and acceptance. The tale encourages children to embrace their uniqueness and celebrate differences. Parents and children were captivated by the uplifting message, which fosters a sense of inclusion and inspires confidence in being true to oneself. The lodge also made a $1,000 donation to DSACF, which will support families of newborns with Down syndrome by providing resources and educational tools to parents. The donation will also contribute to literacy initiatives, helping families and children build foundational skills for reading and early education.

Later in the day, the lodge welcomed 75 families with children of all ages from DSACF to the Three Kings event. The name comes from Three Kings' Day (Día de los Reyes), which is widely celebrated in many cultures as a time of giving and community. Guests were treated to lunch, games, storytelling and gifts. Lodge members distributed books, activity supplies and other essentials, creating an atmosphere of joy and community while helping to ease the financial and emotional burdens these families often encounter. “This event was not just about giving items — it was about sharing moments of connection and bringing smiles to the faces of children and their families,” shared Carmen Rivera, lodge trustee. “Seeing the joy on everyone’s faces reminded us why the Elks are committed to supporting our community.”

Pictured:

Santa (Jose Rodriguez); Mrs. Claus (Jossie Havens); Carmen Rivera, lodge chair; Marniebel Castro, Down Syndrome Association of Central Florida program development manager; Victor Berrios, Exalted Ruler; and Roxy Santiago, trustee
Elk Edwin Alvarado and event guests Saris Cruz and JP Rodriguez
Gifts are displayed for attendees
Author Wanda Reyes addresses those in attendance
Gifts at the baby shower next to a lit Christmas tree
Barbara Meeker and Roxy Santiago, trustee, at the book table
Author Wanda Reyes behind her table display
Wanda Reyes, Valentino Dog poster and Samantha Stuart
Jossie Haven, trustee, and Tanya Ramos, volunteer, behind the food table
Commissioner Patty Sheehan, lodge member, was the guest speaker and stayed to help distribute books.
Three kings: Gonzalo Quezada, Eduardo Rivera and David Stuart