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Written by Cristin Rumler

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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 Robert Erwin, PDD

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On April 14, the Bradenton 1511 Elk Riders hosted a day of fundraising activities, including a raffle, silent auction and bike run, raising $14,600 for Cole Young, who was selected as the Riders’ Brain Injured Child (BIC) for 2023-2024. During the presentation, an additional $400 was collected to make an even $15,000 donation.

Pictured are Rita Skinner, Bradenton Lodge member and Cole’s neuro ICU nurse; Alex Burke, Lakewood Ranch-Sarasota Lodge Rider; Sugar Conrad, South Hillsborough Lodge Exalted Ruler and Rider; Lincoin and Lelie Young; Cooper Young; Dan Tabor, PSP; Amy Smith and Cole Young; and Ron Duquet, Bradenton Lodge Exalted Ruler.

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Written by Port St. Lucie Elks

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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 Cristin Rumler

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For the past 60 years, Sanford Elks Lodge #1241 has sponsored Sanford youth baseball teams. Each year the lodge donates a total of $1,000 to sponsor two teams, to be used for whomever needs it. Throughout the year, members attend the teams’ games and host an end-of-year celebration. This year’s celebration was different, because one of their teams, the Major Mets, was in the playoffs. Lodge members attended the April 27 game and set up tents at the field to provide pizza to the players and their families and invited their other sponsored team, the Rookie Red Sox, to attend as well.

Pictured are Julian Gavilanes, Major Mets coach; Bill Klinefelter, Little League lodge committee chair; and Mark Platt, Major Mets coach. Also pictured are some players’ jerseys with the lodge name on the back and all the members and volunteers who attended.

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Written by DeLand Elks

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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.

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Written by West Palm Beach Elks

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West Palm Beach Elks Lodge’s Ladies Auxiliary sponsored a dinner dance to raise funds for ALS. The Wild Wild West themed event was held June 22 at the lodge and raised $1,000 for the ALS Association in Arlington, Virginia.

Pictured are Bob Josefsberg, lodge member; Patti Phillips, PDD; Gwen Lowery; Alice Sponaugle; Margret Marta; Ruth Youngbar; Pauline Talbott, FLOE State President; Barbara L’lorens; Lil Scammacca; Carol Limbaugh; Libby Dill; and Wendy Lombard. Also pictured is Talbott in jail until bail is paid for her release.

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Written by Diane Hendrick

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On July 18, Fort Myers Elks Lodge #1288 contributed $7,500 to Hearts & Homes for Veterans Inc., with $6,500 coming from the Elks National Foundation Beacon and Gratitude Grants and $1,000 coming from the Elks National Veterans Service Commission Freedom Grant. This donation will help support veterans and their families experiencing homelessness. Hearts & Homes for Veterans is committed to helping these veterans overcome poverty and to empower them to assist other veterans in achieving similar success.

Pictured at the check presentation are David Lake, PSP; Diane Hendrick, trustee; Eric Farmer, PDD, Exalted Ruler; and David Santini, Hearts & Homes Board of Directors member.

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Written by South Miami/Coral Gables Elks

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On June 15, South Miami/Coral Gables Lodge held the second of four quarterly events for autism awareness. This event is funded by an Elks National Foundation Impact Grant. The event was a bingo game, hosted by the lodge in association with the University of Miami and the Nova Southeastern University CARD program (Center for Autism & Related Disabilities). The 85 attendees enjoyed two hours of bingo. Member Marty Furgang called the games and was assisted by volunteer Mike Chavez. Approximately 13 members volunteered to help at the event. Barry Wake, PDD, Esquire, arranged for his daughter, Nikki, a Miami-Dade police officer, to deliver the police autism awareness vehicle, which was displayed at the lodge entrance. After the game, everyone received complimentary pizza and soft drinks and was invited to the lounge for the third TOTS night (Talent of the Spectrum). As part of the Impact Grant, every third Saturday, the lodge holds an open mic talent show for CARD members, family members, caregivers and Elks. It gives CARD clients an opportunity to showcase their talents and to interact with Elks members. This also gives Elks a better understanding of autism and helps CARD members socialize.

Pictured are Marty Furgang and the Miami-Dade autism awareness police car.