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Written by Jeff Rumler, PDD

Sanford Elks Lodge #1241 hosted a free community event Sept. 11 after participating in the City of Sanford’s Patriot Day: A National Day of Remembrance ceremony. The lodge event featured live music, a complimentary lunch, face painting, a balloon artist and an appearance from Elroy the Elk. The lodge had booths set up showcasing the Hoop Shoot, Soccer Shoot, Drug Awareness program, local Boy Scout troop and Florida Elks Children’s Therapy Services. A wooden flag made by a combat veteran was raffled and raised $1,000 for the Florida Elks Army of Hope. Along with that, $275 was raised for the Harry-Anna Trust Fund, which supports the Florida Elks Youth Camp and Florida Elks Children’s Therapy Services. Six new lodge members were gained as well. The event was a success and was even attended by Florida Elks State President, Suzi Simonelli, and first gentleman, Joey. 

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Written by Mary Lou Scribner, PER

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 Plant City Elks

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 Rick Barth, PER

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 John Clouser

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 Bud Tipton

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.