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Written by Erika Barger, PDD

On Sept. 2, Ormond Beach Elks Lodge #2193 held its first duck drop fundraiser. The lodge invited community members to participate in its Labor Day weekend festivities, including food and food trucks, music, games, raffles, an auction, a cake walk, cornhole, face painting by Girl Scout Troop 825, and more. The Elks Drug Awareness trailer was used and Florida Elks Children’s Therapy Services therapist Althea Montgomery, OT. The main event was the dropping of more than 1,100 rubber ducks onto the lodge parking lot from a helicopter supplied by Tomlinson Aviation and member Neal Tomlinson and piloted by member Joe Horton. Prizes were awarded to those whose ducks landed closest to the target. Debbie and Mickey Symington were the first place winners, who donated part of their $500 prize to the lodge. The second place prize was a helicopter tour package for three, and the third place prize was $250. The event raised more than $5,500 to support lodge and Elks charitable programs, including the Harry-Anna Trust Fund, Elks National Foundation, the lodge scholarship program, the drug awareness program, holiday gift and food baskets, and the Elks National Veterans Service Commission.

Pictured is the helicopter dropping rubber ducks.

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Written by Taz WrightReynolds, PER

On Sept. 17, Crestview Elks Lodge #2624 used its $2,000 Elks National Foundation Beacon Grant to help remodel and upgrade resident rooms at Crestview Manor, an assisted living home in Crestview, Florida. Lodge members also actively participated in the work. These projects included flooring, painting and building fences. This was the first stage of lodge participation. Future endeavors will include laying new flooring in the rooms and other upgrades. The manor provides affordable, supportive living for people who are disabled or recuperating and for seniors with low or modest incomes. Approximately 40% of residents are veterans.

Pictured with Dustin, Crestview Manor maintenance manager, are lodge members Don Pilcher, Amanda Rappelli, Will Rogers, Aime Snelgrove, Chris Snelgrove, Kelly Cotton, Niki Pilcher, Joe Rappelli and Ray Short.

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Written by Taz WrightReynolds, PER

On Sept. 22, the Fort Walton Elks Lodge PER Association held a very successful golf tournament at the Fort Walton Beach Golf Course in Fort Walton Beach, Florida. The active association has raised thousands of dollars to support the community, lodge and special projects. This tournament raised $8,040 for the PER Association scholarship fund for students of lodge members and friends to help defray the cost of tuition at colleges and universities.

Past Exalted Rulers pictured in the back row are Paul Willey, Taz WrightReynolds and Paul Eubanks. Past Exalted Rulers in the front row are Linda Mayfield, PER Association president; Tom Knowles; and Kevin Clemons, PDD, Northwest District Leader and tournament chair.

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Written by Deborah Reedy, PER

Jacksonville Lodge delivered its seventh ENVSC Welcome Home Kit Aug. 13 to Mark, a Marine veteran who graduated from the Five Star Veterans Center program. The Five Star Veterans Center is a residential facility for veterans with mental and physical health issues. Their Passport to Independence program is an intense 12-month program to help them successfully transition to a healthy, independent lifestyle.

Pictured with the trailer filled with furniture are Karen Tracy, Lodge Veterans Services Chair; John Pipkins, House Committee member; and Robin Pipkins, Leading Knight, Lodge Elks National Foundation Fundraising Chair and District Elks National Foundation Grants Chair. Also pictured are Karen Tracy, David Graham, Robin Pipkins and Mark.

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Written by Sherry Mackeil

On Aug. 16, Brooksville Elks Lodge #2582 donated its $2,000 Elks National Foundation Gratitude Grant to People Helping People of Hernando County Weekend Blessings Project, which provides weekend food for students in need. Lodge members will also pack and deliver food every weekend throughout the school year to two schools.

Pictured are Dana Cutlip, grant committee; Carr Hussey, PER; Laurie Bianchi, member; Andy Andretta, member; Jane Hussey, House Committee; Nancy Andretta, House Committee; and Theresa Murray, member.

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Written by Carolyn Robbins

On Sept. 9, Winter Garden Lodge held a community fundraiser for 2-year-old Kennedy, the granddaughter of a member, who was diagnosed with retinoblastoma, a cancer of the eye. She has had two chemotherapy treatments, which her parents take her to Miami for; the tumor seems to be responding to treatment. She has lost sight in one of her eyes, but her team of specialists is hoping to save the other eye. Approximately $15,000 was raised during the event from sales of pulled pork sandwiches; specially made T-shirts that said, “Elks Won’t Let Her Fight Alone – I’m Part of Kennedy’s Crew;” bracelets; and hearts. Donors wrote messages on the hearts for Kennedy to take with her to treatment to remind her of their support. Donations were also made from a dart tournament, dessert and basket raffles, and attendees making monetary donations. The lodge is still receiving donations, too. Exalted Ruler, Carolyn Robbins, shared, “When Elks do a fundraiser to help someone in need it's not just the happiness you see with the family. You can see the happiness in being an Elk. Proud to be an Elk proud of the members and the sunshine that beamed from their smile.”

Pictured are Blake Wood with his daughter, Kennedy, on his shoulders; Carolyn Robbins, Exalted Ruler, and member Kristen Craine working at the sales table; the dessert sales table; and a community member at the raffle table.