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Written by Mary Lou Scribner, PER

For many years, Brandon Elks Lodge #2383 put on a prom at the lodge for Willis Peters Exceptional Center, a school in Dover, Florida, for students with a wide range of disabilities. For the past few years, the prom had to be cancelled due to COVID-19. This year, Nickie Wells, PER contacted the school about holding a prom again, which they did April 13 with help from the school and lodge volunteers (Ed Ciesla, Exalted Ruler; Donald Harrison, Leading Knight; Sharon Hammersla, PDD, trustee; Nancy Price, Treasurer; Lou Valencia, Loyal Knight; and Nickie Wells, PER). The theme was “Fire and Ice” and to better accommodate the students, the prom was held at the school. Elroy the Elk (Ed Ciesla) mingled with the students. Lodge members cooked and served chicken nuggets, French fries, pizza squares and themed cupcakes, all paid for by the lodge. Wells has pledged to work with the school each year to ensure the prom continues to be an annual event supported by the lodge.

Pictured are Donald Harrison and Elroy (Ed Ciesla) with the students; PER Nickie Wells, Lou Valencia and Nancy Price; and the themed cupcake table.

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Written by Diane Sharp

Largo Elks Lodge #2159 used its $2,000 Elks National Foundation Spotlight Grant to host a baby shower March 25. Guests were clients of the Bay Area Pregnancy Center (BAPC). The BAPC is a pregnancy resource center established to assist families throughout their pregnancy and parenting journey. They provide many free services such as counseling, pregnancy and parenting classes, baby supplies, and more. Ten expectant mothers and their families, along with lodge members and the BAPC staff, attended the shower. The mothers received a homemade tote bag containing many items new mothers need. They also received jewelry, a $50 gift card and a door prize. Most of the door prizes were knitted or crocheted blankets or homemade quilts made by lodge members. A light lunch and cake were served. Siblings attending the shower received several books appropriate for their age. Elroy, the Elks Drug Awareness mascot, made an appearance as well. Lodge members donated clothing, pacifiers, bibs, receiving blankets, washcloths, hooded towels, hats, socks, baby lotion, baby soap, toys and rattles. The shower committee bought 15 baby monitors, more books for children and three baby cradles.

Committee members pictured are DiAnn Anselmi; Michelle Gustine, BAPC counselor; Marsha Rimer – BAPC CEO; Tina Cook, BAPC counselor; Alice Lyons, PER; Chrissy Horner; Diane Sharp; Diane Mercer; Cindy Grant; Linda Hamby; and Brenda Ford.

Also pictured are Elroy, two guests and Diane Sharp, PER.

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Written by Shirley Thompson

On April 6, Bonita Springs-Estero Elks Lodge #2753 presented a $2,827 check to Jeff Morse, founder of the Brotherhood Ride. The donation came from the lodge’s fashion show March 18 to benefit the Brotherhood Ride. There were 191 ladies in attendance with Rebecca’s of Mercato of Naples providing the fashions. The Brotherhood Ride is made up of first responders who ride bicycles to honor those who have died in the line of duty, showing the families, friends and coworkers that they will never be forgotten.

Pictured are Jeff Morse, Shirley Thompson, Candy Morse and Pete Thompson.

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Written by Chuck Stieb

On March 25, the Southwest District hosted a homecoming and fundraiser 12-5 p.m. for State President Danny Tabor, PSP at Bradenton Elks Lodge #1511. Tabor is currently waiting for a bone marrow transplant after receiving platelets and blood at Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa, Florida. After the proper person is chosen for the transplant, he will have several months to recover at Moffitt. There were 250 people in attendance from all seven district lodges — Bradenton, Lakewood Ranch-Sarasota, Manasota, Palmetto, Sarasota South, South Hillsborough and Venice-Nokomis — along with state association and Grand Lodge officers. A total of $6,400 was raised.

Pictured are Joe Cooper, Vice President at Large, and his wife, Allie; Danny Tabor, State President, and his wife, Rachel; and Susan Klatt and Bryan Klatt, Grand Lodge Secretary.

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Written by Southwest District

On Jan. 28, the Southwest District hosted a blood drive at Bradenton Elks Lodge #1511 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in honor of Danny Tabor, PSP, State President and District Leader. Tabor is currently receiving platelets and blood at Moffit Cancer Center in Tampa, Florida. They partnered with LifeSouth Community Blood Centers, as they are a blood supplier to Moffitt Cancer Center. Their staff was great to work with to make this event happen and run smoothly. Donations received will go to Moffitt Cancer Center to replenish the blood products Tabor has and is receiving from Moffitt. Out of 46 donors, 43 had successful units (three were deferred due to iron or medications) consisting of platelets, eight double reds and 29 whole blood donors. All donors received a LifeSouth T-shirt and a snack and beverages. Donors were from Bradenton, Lakewood Ranch-Sarasota, Manasota, Palmetto, Sarasota South, South Hillsborough and Venice-Nokomis lodges as well as walk-ins.

Pictured are  Ashley Rieger, LifeSouth donor recruiter, and Diane Davis, Manasota Lodge trustee; Salina, LifeSouth registrar, and Dave Manning, PDD, Bradenton Lodge member; and Rita Bailey, Bradenton Lodge member, and Anastatia, LifeSouth phlebotomist.

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Written by Green Cove Springs Elks

On March 10, Green Cove Springs Lodge presented a $1,000 check to the Way Clinic of Green Cove Springs on behalf of the lodge's Past Exalted Ruler charity bingo. The clinic provides medical care to uninsured and underinsured residents of Clay County.

Pictured are Al Williams, Exalted Ruler; Andrea Crowder, clinic associate director; Farooq Essa, clinic operations manager; Nancy Valencia, clinic special programs manager; and Mary Boyle, RN.