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Written by Gainesville Elks

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The Elks Riders of Gainesville Lodge #990 held the Rolling for Hope Ride Sept. 13, which raised $6,100 for Hope Long and her mom, Jackie Long. Jackie told the Riders that this gift will change her life. Elks Rider member Kerstin Roberts stated, "Hope was diagnosed with Rett Syndrome as a baby, followed by cerebral palsy at the age of three. She has continued to face significant medical challenges, most recently enduring a three-month stay in the hospital, adding to her family’s already overwhelming medical expenses. Her mother, Jackie Long, is a breast cancer survivor who has faced her own medical battles and financial strain. This event was our chance to rally together and help ease the burden for this incredible family."

Elks Rider member Kerstin Roberts presents the check to Jackie Long

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Written by Gainesville Elks

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On Aug. 31, Gainesville Elks Lodge #990 hosted bingo games with silent auction and raffles to support Second Chance Pet Rescue, a local pet adoption business. The event, led by member Bernice Porterfield, retired First Class Petty Officer RM1(SW), pictured, raised $1,052.

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Written by Lakeland Elks

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On Sept. 5, Lakeland Elks Lodge donated its $3,500 Elks National Foundation Gratitude Grant to Read Lakeland Adult Tutoring. This program offers free tutoring services to adult nonreaders, helping them improve their literacy skills through one-on-one or small group sessions.

Pictured are Devindra Ramdehal, lodge member and works for Read Lakeland; Beth Hasseltinie and Amanda Dunyk of Read Lakeland; and Char Fisher, lodge member.

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Written by Jacksonville Elks

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Jacksonville Elks Lodge #221 recently provided Welcome Home Kits to two veterans from Women Veterans Ignited. On July 28, Linda, an Army veteran, received a bed as well as pantry and household items. The rest of her furniture was delivered Aug. 2. She is a senior and was extremely grateful for all she received, especially since she shared that at one point she had been homeless and living on cement. She is pictured with Karen Tracy, Lodge Veterans Chair. On Aug. 5, another veteran received her kit, which included a bed, recliner, household items and other furniture. Pictured are Elaine Spencer, WVI client navigator, and Courtney Griffin, WVI COO, who delivered the kit along with Karen Tracy, Lodge Veterans Chair.

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Written by Tallahassee Elks

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Tallahassee Elks Lodge #937 donated $500 to Magnolia Preschool LLC to help provide scholarships for families needing assistance with registration costs. Magnolia Preschool, a local nonprofit serving about 60 children, offers high-quality preschool education and receives partial state funding. Pictured are Tom Walden, PDD, Lodge Secretary, and Dr. Rosa Skepple, Magnolia Preschool director.

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Written by Viera Elks

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On July 19, Viera Antlers hosted a car wash fundraiser for Family Promise of Brevard, a charitable organization whose mission is to eradicate homelessness for families in Brevard County. Long Doggers, a restaurant in Viera, hosted the event in their parking lot, which is located on a major thoroughfare. They raised $500 and used it to purchase and donate over 300 school supply items, pictured, to the organization.

Pictured in the front row are Antlers Lexi Fryer, Evelyn Djie, Devon Djie, Emilie Ditscheit, Donald Ahlin and Jake Vargas. In the back row are Antler Patrick Bush and advisors Don Ahlin, Eric Enrique, Heidi Vargas, Tommy Vargas and Alison Ditscheit.

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Written by Green Cove Springs Elks

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Green Cove Springs Elks Lodge #1892 used $300 of its Elks National Foundation Beacon Grant to host summer story time at Spring Park on the second Saturdays of June, July and August. Officers from the Green Cove Springs Police Department and Clay County Sheriff's Office read to the children and adults and gave tours of the police vehicles. Elks greeted families and distributed snacks. All children ages 4 to 9 received a copy of the book to take home each session.

Pictured Aug. 9 ready to greet guests are members Tracy Carroll, PER, Lodge Grants Coordinator; Wendy Hughson, lodge youth activities chair; Laquetta Willimon, trustee; Greg Hughson, PDD, trustee; Lynn Lemois and Susan Phillips (front row). In the back row are member Mary Bolla, GCSPD Officer Andrew Shore and GCSPD Officer Sarah Gann. Also pictured are story time in the gazebo and GCS Police Chief Hines, GCSPD Officer Shore, GCSPD Officer Gann, and Clay County Sheriff's Deputy Freshour.

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Written by Live Oak Elks

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On Aug. 26, members of Live Oak Elks Lodge #1165 welcomed Carol Johnson, executive director of Vivid Visions Domestic Violence Center in Live Oak, to present a $3,000 donation from the Elks National Foundation Gratitude Grant. The center’s mission is to provide a temporary safe place for survivors of domestic violence.  They also offer free counseling, day care referrals, assistance with injunctions, legal assistance referrals, accompaniment to court, support in crisis hotline, domestic violence training, prevention class in school and DCF advocate liaisons.

Pictured are Cathy Davis, Exalted Ruler; Carol Johnson, Vivid Visions executive director; and Lori Watson, Lodge Grants Coordinator.