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Umatilla, FL 32784-0049
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Our Military & Veterans
Lakeland Elks Host Armed Forces Day Fundraiser for Veterans
- Details
- Written by Lakeland Elks
On May 15, Lakeland Elks Lodge #1291 held a fundraising event for Armed Forces Day. Members prepared lasagna and sausage dinners, raffled 12 baskets and held a 50/50 drawing, all which raised $2,300 for future veterans’ functions.
Pictured are Johnny Francks, member; Steve Masterson, PER; and Vicky Crosby, member.
Lakewood Ranch-Sarasota Elks Lodge Supports Jackson's Gifts
- Details
- Written by Lakewood Ranch-Sarasota Elks
During the Kentucky Derby event May 3, Lakewood Ranch-Sarasota Elks Lodge #2855 held a fundraiser for Jackson's Gifts, a charitable initiative that rewards a child aging out of the foster care system and entering a branch of the United States armed forces. The $1,563 collected will be awarded to a candidate graduating from boot camp in August.
Crestview Elks Take Part in Memorial Day Ceremony
- Details
- Written by Taz WrightReynolds, PER
On May 26, Crestview Elks Lodge members joined the community for the annual wreath-laying ceremony at the Okaloosa County Veterans Memorial in Memorial Park in Crestview to honor the military personnel who gave their lives in service of this nation. The ceremony featured a moment of silence, brief remarks and the playing of taps in tribute to the fallen.
Pictured are trustee Shirley Johnson and Leading Knight Dave Rodriguez, who placed the wreath on behalf of the lodge. Also representing the lodge were Deb McMullen, Exalted Ruler; Traci Medlock, board president; and Larry Medlock, chaplain.
Port Orange Elks Lodge Raises Funds for Purple Heart Association
- Details
- Written by Frank Kuczkowski
On May 23, Port Orange Elks Lodge #2723 presented a $600 check to the Purple Heart Association. Funds were raised from the sale of basket raffle tickets at Friday bingo.
Pictured are Rolf Mattar, Commander of the Purple Heart Association, and Bette Dealey, bingo chair.
Jacksonville Elks Deliver Welcome Home Kits to Veterans in New Homes
- Details
- Written by Karen Tracy
In mid-March, members of Jacksonville Elks Lodge #221 delivered Welcome Home Kits to Navy Hospital Corpsman Crystal and Mess Management Specialist Daphney when they moved into their own apartments from Women Veterans Ignited. Both women are currently working in fields that are very similar to their Navy specialties, and both are in school to further their knowledge. David Graham, Frank Varnado and Brian Pastorini delivered their kits, which included pillows, bedding, blankets, dishes, pots, pans, kitchenware, towels, toiletries, shower liner and rings, toilet paper, paper towels, light bulbs, trash can and bags, dish soap, all-purpose cleaner, broom, mop, bucket, sponge, laundry basket, detergent, coffee maker, toaster, and microwave, as well as two new beds. These items totaled $983.43 and the funds came from in-kind donations and funds from the Welcome Home Kits ENVSC program.
Karen Tracy, Veterans Chair, is pictured with Daphney and Crystal.
Holley-Navarre Elks Donate Grant to USO Center
- Details
- Written by Taz WrightReynolds, PER
On April 10, Holley-Navarre Elks Lodge #2787 donated $1,000 from its Elks National Foundation Freedom Grant to the United Services Organization (USO) center at Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport. The center provides free internet services, program information, snacks and drinks to service members and their dependents. The amenities at this location also provide CAC readers, charging stations, computers and laptops, Wi-Fi, multimedia and gaming, TV and cable, an air-conditioned lounge to rest, toiletries, and an information desk.
Pictured are Bill White, PDD, Treasurer; Lori Mann, USO Destin-Fort Walton Beach Center operations specialist; and Tom Stevens, PDD, Exalted Ruler.
St. Augustine Elks Provide Additional Welcome Home Kits to Veterans
- Details
- Written by Cathy Walsh
On March 25, St. Augustine Elks donated two Welcome Home Kits to Veterans Village, bringing their total kits donated to local veterans this year to 16. Pictured are Cathy Walsh, lodge charity chair, and Mary Cooke, Home Again St. Johns Veteran Village coordinator.
Additionally, the lodge partnered with the residents to collect 4,429 pop tabs to donate to Ronald MacDonald House in Jacksonville. Ronald McDonald House recycles them for cash to help provide housing for families in the Jacksonville area while their children undergo treatment at local hospitals.
Palm Coast Elks Lodge Raffle Raises Funds for Veterans' Programs
- Details
- Written by David Valinski
The Palm Coast Elks Lodge #2709 Veterans Committee conducted a gun raffle fundraiser drawing Feb. 9. The fundraiser made a profit of over $4,000 for local programs supporting veterans who are disabled or have PTSD or are experiencing homelessness. The lodge’s veterans information program was also a recipient of funds. Tickets were also sold at local businesses.
Pictured are Exalted Ruler Pete Lehnertz and Veterans Committee members Sean Reardon, David Valinski and Jerry DiMenna (with microphone) as they draw the winning ticket.
Lakewood Ranch-Sarasota Elks Lodge Supports Veterans with Guide Dogs with Help from Tommy John
- Details
- Written by JoAnn Reddy
On March 22, Lakewood Ranch-Sarasota Elks Lodge #2855 held a fundraiser for a program for veterans with guide dogs, sponsored by Dogs Inc. Special guest Tommy John, former professional baseball pitcher, donated signed baseballs, caps and other baseball items for the auction. Over $2,500 was raised.
Pictured are Tommy John and Tom Sweeney, Lodge Veterans Chair.
Bradenton Elks Sponsor Veterans' Fishing Trip
- Details
- Written by brad
On March 23, Bradenton Elks Lodge #1511 provided a 4-hour offshore fishing trip for 17 veterans, pictured, using $2,500 from its Elks National Foundation Gratitude Grant. The company they use is Florida Fishing Fleet, which has max occupancy of 17 plus two crew members. After the trip, they went to Slicker’s Eatery, where Bob Slicker and staff cooked their fresh catches and served them lunch.
Jupiter Elks Host Fishing Trip for Local Veterans
- Details
- Written by Lauren Dowd-Shedlock, PER
On March 8, Jupiter Elks Lodge #2469 treated local veterans to a deep-sea fishing trip, made possible by the Elks National Veterans Service Commission Freedom Grant. The outing aimed to provide relaxation and camaraderie for those who have served. Veterans set sail from Jupiter Inlet aboard Country Club Drift Fishing, enjoying a morning of reeling in fish and sharing stories. Afterward, The Square Grouper provided a complimentary lunch. Exalted Ruler, Ben Herd, and members organized and supported the event, including transportation for those in need.
Pictured are veterans with Ben Herd, Exalted Ruler, third from right.
Elks in the Southeast Hold Poker Run for Army of Hope
- Details
- Written by Lauren Dowd-Shedlock, PER
The Southeast District lodges of West Palm Beach, Clewiston and Jupiter held an Army of Hope poker run with the Elks Riders Feb. 22, raising $20,000 before expenses. The event featured five stops, a live auction and numerous raffles.
Pictured are motorcycles parked outside West Palm Beach Lodge.