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Written by Mary Lou Scribner, PER

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Florida Elks support the annual Parade of Heroes, which recognizes those who fought in World War II, the Korean War and Vietnam War, by flying Elks members who are veterans to Washington, D.C., to visit their respective memorials. This year, the event will take place Nov. 12-14. Mary Lou Scribner, PER, who is a member of Brandon Lodge #2383 and is a team member of the Parade of Heroes, invited Sebring Elks Lodge #1529 to participate in the thank you/appreciation cards program for veterans. These cards will be distributed to the attending veterans on their flight home during a “mail call.” The lodge contacted Sebring Middle School, and the seventh grade leadership class, taught by Stephanie Scheipsmeier, made cards for the veterans. Approximately 50 Florida Elks veterans will be attending the Parade of Heroes. Pictured with the students are Wainetta Holmes, Exalted Ruler; Stephanie Scheipsmeier, teacher; and Diane Morse, Loyal Knight.

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Written by Bud Tipton

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Crestview Lodge used its $2,000 Elks National Foundation Spotlight Grant to support Shelter House in Okaloosa County, Florida. Shelter House supports survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault. Pictured Aug. 18 are Bud Tipton, Exalted Ruler, presenting a $1,000 check and 400+ items needed for the shelter to Laurie Brooks, Shelter House volunteer coordinator. The success of this donation is due in large part to Natalia "Talya" Reis-Fredriksen, Lodge Secretary, for all the behind-the-scenes work.

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Written by Plant City Elks

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On Sept. 9, members of Plant City Elks Lodge #1727 prepared and hosted a four-course appreciation dinner for the more than 40 volunteers of the United Food Bank to thank them for all their hard work through some tough pandemic times. The United Food Bank also supplies children with lunches during the summer months when they are not in school receiving the school’s free lunches. To assist the food bank with this, the lodge presented them with its $2,500 Elks National Foundation Gratitude Grant. Pictured are Ron Johns, PER, who also volunteers at the food bank; Mary Hysek, food bank director; and John Guarino, Exalted Ruler.

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Written by Carolyn Sutherland

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There was a request in the Englewood Elks Lodge March bulletin for homemade crocheted or knitted blankets for veterans who are homeless. Between May 15 and Aug. 25, 94 blankets were made and delivered to the Elks. ON Aug. 25, Paul Colicci Jr., Veterans lodge chair, delivered them to the Homeless Coalition of Charlotte County in Port Charlotte, Florida. This organization serves anyone who is homeless but has special resources for veterans. Pictured with Colicci (right) is Mary Lou Anderson (left) of the Homeless Coalition.

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Written by Rick Barth, PER

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On July 12, Bill Repoli, Port St. Lucie Elks Lodge Exalted Ruler, presents $500 from the lodge’s Elks National Foundation Gratitude Grant to the Ken Pruitt Unit Boys and Girls Club of Port St. Lucie. As stated on The Boys and Girls Clubs of America website, their mission is “to enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens.” This donation will help the club purchase arts, crafts and miscellaneous needs. Pictured with Repoli are Rhonda McClain, program director, and club members.

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Written by Harriet Gossett

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Pensacola Beach Elks Lodge #497 donated $2,000 from its charity account to the Gulf Coast Kid's House in Pensacola, Florida, a children's advocacy center serving Escambia County. They combine resources needed for the intervention, investigation and prosecution of child abuse cases in one child-friendly facility. Pictured Aug. 23 are Dan Smith, Exalted Ruler, and Stacey Kostevicki, program director.

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Written by John Clouser

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During an open house from Aug. 26 to Aug. 28, Palm Coast Elks Lodge #2709 held a benefit pig roast for the Harry-Anna Trust Fund, which funds the Florida Elks’ two major projects — Florida Elks Children’s Therapy Services and the Florida Elks Youth Camp. Platters could be purchased for on-site or to-go orders. Lodge members and their families and friends supported this first-time event with their generous contributions and meal purchases. Members from other Elks lodges, including Ormond Beach and Merritt Island lodges, attended as well. Seven membership applications were received during the weekend, and more than 200 platters were served. After expenses, more than $1,000 will be given to the Florida Elks major projects. DJ Bill Hall provided music for Friday night’s dancing, and the Matanzas High School Drum Band performed Saturday. The lodge presented them a $100 donation. “Attendance was excellent, especially considering the concerns by many over COVID case resurgence in communities,” said John Clouser, Exalted Ruler. Pictured are an event banner, the drum band and members supporting the benefit.

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Written by Gerard O'Gara

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On Aug. 19, Palm Coast Elks Lodge #2709 made a $3,250 donation to K9s For Warriors, The lodge donated $750 of its own funds and the rest came from the lodge’s $2,500 Elks National Foundation Freedom Grant. According to k9sforwarriors.org, “Determined to end veteran suicide, K9s For Warriors provides highly-trained service dogs to military veterans suffering from PTSD, traumatic brain injury and/or military sexual trauma. With the majority of dogs coming from high-kill rescue shelters, this innovative program allows the K9/warrior team to build an unwavering bond that facilitates their collective healing and recovery.” Pictured at the check presentation are Pete Lehnertz, lodge House Committee member; Stephanie Vogt from the K9s For Warriors corporate office in Ponte Vedra, Florida; and John Clouser, Exalted Ruler. Also pictured is trainer Jay Williams with a trainee.