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Written by Lakeland Elks

On March 5, Hollis Cancer Center held its annual Promise Run. Lakeland Lodge was recognized for its continued support and fundraising from its Puttin’ on the Pink events over the years. The lodge was asked to be a gold sponsor ($25,000) of the largest run in Lakeland because of their cumulative $36,000 in donations. With this sponsorship, the lodge was highly promoted in the packets sent to all the participants and on all the shirts, runner bibs and brochures. Due to COVID-19, the race was virtual.

Pictured in blue are the lodge members who walked or ran: Rick Littlejohn, Sher Thrush, Christy Mann, Cindy Ayers, Elroy the Elk (John McArthur), Vicki Baker, Michelle Schlaack, Penny Deig, Trish Walsh and John Hedrick. Pictured in pink are the lodge members who supported the participants: John Mathison, Cindy Ayers, Rose Ford, Carl Hutchcraft, Laurel Dolpp and Robin Buckley-Gutierrez.

Also pictured is Elroy the Elk.

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Written by Rita Smith

On March 18, Tampa Lodge welcomed 19 veterans and staff members from the James A. Haley VA Domiciliary and Liberty Manor for Veterans to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day. Liberty Manor is a home in Tampa, Florida, for veterans who are temporarily unhoused. The guests were invited by the Veterans Committee members and they enjoyed a meal and entertainment. 

Pictured with Paul DeLand, Exalted Ruler, are veteran residents of Liberty Manor holding letters up to spell out "Thank You!"

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Written by Gary Ledoux

On Feb. 12, Jacksonville Lodge held its third annual military baby shower, benefitting 20 local expectant women who were either serving in the military or married to active military members. Deborah Reedy, PER, event organizer, noted, “With so many military installations in the Jacksonville area, and for the dedication the military provides for us all, it only made sense to help those military members in need.” Each of the 20 women were provided $225 worth of baby products from the Elks National Foundation (ENF) Gratitude and Spotlight grants, totaling $4,500. Reedy explained, “Two years ago when this project started, we received a $1,500 Anniversary Grant from the ENF. It was a good start. Last year it was a larger amount and this year larger still. Plus, several of our lodge members donated products on their own, like disposable diapers and baby wipes from our diaper drive.” Reedy and one of the lodge’s newest members, Rachel Ledoux, each donated hand-crocheted baby blankets. Ledoux then kept her skeins of yarn rolling, producing 20 pairs of baby booties and 20 baby beanie caps, which were donated. Frances Fowler, wife of member Jerry Fowler, handmade 40 burp cloths and bibs, so each mother received two sets. William Watson III, PER and his wife, Shawna, donated and prepared a continental breakfast for the families and guests. Other lodge members secured donations of food and beverages from local supermarkets that were given out to the women to share with their family as they went home.

The 20 recipients were selected through the help of the local Blue Star Families organization. Many of the women were nominated by their commanding officer or command ombudsman; they could sign up on their own as well. All are prescreened and their selection was based on need. Blue Star Families and the Elks are a perfect partnering because Blue Star Families serves as the liaison, advocate and catalyst to connect military families with civilian individuals and civilian organization to help build a stronger, well-supported community.

The shower was the same date as the Northeast District visit by Florida Elks State President, Suzi Simonelli. This attracted not only a large contingent of local Elks members but members from district lodges as well to the shower. State President Simonelli led a round of baby trivia, where expectant mothers tested their baby knowledge for prizes of hand-crocheted baby blankets. Also addressing the mothers-to-be were Wendy Layton of Blue Star Families and Colleen Gallant, Florida Elks Children’s Therapy Services (FECTS) Director. Rae Montgomery, FECTS physical therapist, was introduced as well. Gallant provided each mother with a copy of “Advance My Baby,” a book written by FECTS therapists Paula Tarver and Jeanne Martin. Blue Star Families had a table for the mothers and kids attending to choose more books, promoting literacy in the community.

The baby shower committee included Kathy Glass, Carole Shapley, Susan Kelly, Cathy Rowand, Carmel Reed, Deborah Reedy, Rachel Ledoux, Robin Pipkins, Carla Rhymes, Shannon Graham, Sarah Schllesinger and Betsy Bryant.

Pictured are Deborah Reedy, PER and Rachel Ledoux showing off a handmade blanket, Colleen Gallant and Rae Montgomery handing out books, State President Suzi Simonelli leading a round of trivia, and members and volunteers pictured outside the lodge.

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Written by Lauren Dowd-Shedlock

The Southeast District held its first poker run Feb. 26, benefiting the Florida State Elks Association’s Army of Hope. This program assists families of deployed military members. West Palm Beach Elks Lodge #1352 hosted the event, which consisted of five stops.

Pictured are Larry Littell, PDD; Cindy Eldred, endorsed District Vice President; Lauren Dowd-Shedlock, Jupiter Lodge Leading Knight; Sean Maguire, PSP; Lenny DiLorenzo, PDD; and Dave Monsour, PDD.

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Written by Char Fisher

On Feb. 21, Lakeland Lodge provided meals from Mission BBQ for 130 patients at the James A. Haley Veterans Hospital for Presidents’ Day. Char Fisher, Veterans Committee Chair, and Steve Masterton, PER assisted with the delivery. Funds from the lodge’s November veterans fundraiser were used to purchase these lunches.

Pictured are Steve Masterton, PER; Geoff Hopkins, Supervisor of Recreation Therapy & Creative Arts Therapy at the James A. Haley Veterans Hospital; and Char Fisher.

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Written by Green Cove Springs Elks

On Jan. 22, Green Cove Springs Elks Lodge #1892 hosted a community baby shower, which was funded by the Elks National Foundation Spotlight Grant. New mothers from the community were given a diaper bag, diapers, baby wipes, toys, bottles, bibs and sippy cups. To support early literacy, each mother also received a home library of seven children's books. Additional door prizes of strollers, playpens, bath sets, monitors and other useful items were presented. Lodge volunteers worked in conjunction with volunteers from the local library, Florida Elks Children's Therapy Services (FECTS), and members of the Clay County Sheriff’s Department and Green Cove Springs Police Department to greet families, present gifts, host games, provide helpful information, serve lunch, and provide an afternoon of celebration and community support.

Pictured are member Kim Miller, a grandmother and new mother with her twins, Sergeant Tammy Perry, and librarian Jennifer Parker.

Lodge members and volunteers prepare for the event.

Pictured are FECTS therapist Melanie Sarris; lodge grant coordinator, Tracy Carroll, PER; and FECTS therapist Rae Montgomery.

Deputy Tim Mulvaney, Kim Miller, Deputy Sherri Leach, and Lucie Barnette, PER hand out diapers and supplies.