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Written by Rose Goodrich, PER

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On March 28, Dunedin/Clearwater Elks Lodge #1525 donated 19 bicycles, helmets, lights and locks for children at San Jose Elementary School in Dunedin for the Bikes for Books program. Depending on their grade level, students were required to read a specific number of books and explain the book. The teachers then chose two students from each class to reward them with a new bicycle, helmet, front and back lights, and a lock. These were presented to the children by lodge members at the school with the parents present. Additionally, the lodge donated $877.63 to replace worn and damaged library books.

Pictured are children with their new bicycles and Principal Katie Gualtieri receiving the check from Exalted Ruler Bryan Steele. Bob Murray, PER and Janice Brautigam, PER are in the background.

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Written by Anthony D'Abbraccio, PER

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On April 13, Parrish Elks Lodge #2889 set up an Elks booth at the Florida Railroad Museum for an autism awareness event. They sold tickets for 21 raffle baskets and raised over $1,500 for Florida Elks Children's Therapy Services. They also signed up seven new members. Thirty-two members volunteered at the event. Clara Budynsky, Southwest District FECTS therapist, helped families with questions in the resource services area of the event. As families were leaving the event, parents thanked the members for bringing awareness and resources to them and their family members.

Pictured are Cynthia Bell, Florida Railroad Museum event coordinator; Matt Carter, PER, Leading Knight; Mike Carter, PER, Secretary; and Bob Dawe, Inner Guard and Membership Chair.

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Written by Holly Balante

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On May 5, Naples Elks Lodge #2010 donated $2,500 to Lely High School in Naples to fund an event given by students who wanted to recognize the incredible leadership of their teachers and thank them. Lely High School is a multicultural, multiethnic and multilingual public school but functions as one community due to the incredible efforts of its educators.

Pictured are Fred Koch, lodge trustee; Jennifer Bledsoe, principal; and John Rudd, lodge member.

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Written by Cristin Rumler

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On April 2, Sanford Elks Lodge #1241 celebrated Taco the dog at their First Wednesday Taco Night. Taco was found abandoned and tied up on the lodge property one year prior at the First Wednesday Taco Night and was rescued and given the name “Taco” by member Nancy Griffin. To celebrate Taco’s one-year anniversary of finding her furever home, members and guests who attended Taco Night brought dog food or cash donations. In total, 105 pounds of food and $335 in cash donations were collected and donated to Pet Alliance, a local shelter. Pet Alliance has a dedicated focus on the welfare and well-being of dogs and cats in Orange, Seminole and Osceola counties.

Pictured are Taco with the donations and a celebratory cake.

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Written by Suzi Simonelli, PSP

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On April 26, Stuart-Jensen Elks Lodge #1870 held a fundraiser for the Brotherhood Ride, an group of first responders that bicycles across Florida each year to honor fallen first responders and raise money for their families. A committee of riders and staff along with lodge members coordinated and executed this fundraiser, which raised $10,000 from bingo games, raffles, silent auctions and 50-50 donations. Jeff Morse, PER, president and founder of the Brotherhood Ride, and his wife, Candy, were in attendance, along with other riders and support staff. It was also announced that the lodge will host the riders Oct. 27 on the 2025 ride.

Pictured are Jeff and Candy Morse.

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Written by Susan Janes

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Throughout March, the Cocoa Beach Elks Space Coast Antlers conducted a hygiene drive for veterans. They asked members of the lodge, the Antlers and the community to donate items such as toothpaste, deodorant, lotions and toothbrushes. The Antlers also recruited a few outside sponsors who collected items at their place of business — Aquatic Health & Rehab of Merritt Island and the Island Smoke Shop. Walmart also donated $100 for the Antlers to shop for their project. The Antlers presented the more than 800 items to lodge member Mary Ladwig, Veterans Chair, March 22, who delivered them to the local veterans organization.

Pictured are Antlers Jaden Haddock, Ruby Earich, Tristian Livingood, Liam Russell and Leo Haddock. Also pictured are Aquatic Health & Rehab staff members Kayla Cook, DPT and Caroline Mahar, DPT.

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Written by Susan Slater

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The Zephyrhills Antlers donated $1,500 to the director of Zephyrhills YMCA, Alex Delgado, April 21. The YMCA is known for its Christian principles and promoting a healthy spirit, mind, and body through their many programs like kids’ summer camp and safe swimming.

Pictured are Bill Morehouse, Esquire and Antlers Advisor; Betty McElroy, Antlers Advisor; Barbara Conklin, Exalted Ruler; Alex Delgado, Zephyrhills YMCA director; Anne McDonald, chaplain and Antlers Advisor; Linnea Fonslet, Antlers secretary; and Emily Mohler, Antlers president.

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Written by Cristin Rumler

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Sanford Lodge has been assisting Lake Nona VA in starting a therapeutic garden at their facility for veterans with PTSD and experiencing homelessness. On March 5, members set up irrigation and on March 20, members began weeding and preparing the soil. This is one of three gardens the lodge hopes to complete at this location. This has been done with donations from members and local businesses.

Pictured is Bart Peterson, PDD, weeding.