On March 9, Southwest District lodges held a dinner, raffle and 50/50 at Lakewood Ranch-Sarasota Elks Lodge #2855 to raise funds for the Army of Hope. The featured speaker was Commander Donna Fournier, USN, who emphasized the many sacrifices women made in all the military branches. A Quilt of Honor was presented to her to thank her for her service. A total of $3,157 was raised.
Pictured are Tom Sweeney, Lakewood Ranch-Sarasota Lodge Veterans Chair; Commander Donna Fournier; and Spike Jones of Sarasota South Lodge. Sweeney and Jones were the co-chairs who organized the event.