On Aug. 14, Oakland Park Elks Lodge #2407 hosted State President Suzi Simonelli and first gentleman Joey for breakfast. After breakfast, they along with lodge members and other district lodge members and VPAL Mark Thompson and his wife, Barbara, stuffed 50 backpacks to be used as survival kits for veterans experiencing homelessness. Included in the bags were water, snacks, toiletries, sunscreen and thermal blankets. The lodge partnered with the United Way/Mission United and funded it through the lodge’s $2,500 Elks National Foundation Freedom Grant. Scouts from Troop No. 497 assisted with the breakfast, set up the room for the activity and organized the completed backpacks.
Pictured with the bags are Chris Cannon, United Way; Douglas Satran, Exalted Ruler; Suzi Simonelli, State President; and Kristian White, United Way.
In the group picture in front are scout troop members Declan Thomas, Logan Benari, David Pena and Joshua Wenig. Behind them with Cannon, Satran, White, the Simonellis and United Way members are Matthew White, Lecturing Knight; Michelle Pignotti, Leading Knight; Nancy Cufino, chaplain; Loyal Knight Mindy Hardial, and member Doug Smith.