Florida Elks News Editor:
Rachael King
 
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Florida State Elks Association Inc.
P.O. Box 49
Umatilla, FL 32784-0049
352-669-9443

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893 pod2 893 pod

On April 15, using a $3,000 Elks National Foundation Beacon Grant, Lake City Lodge funded incentives for Columbia High School’s Stripes program, which promotes academic excellence, positive behavior and student engagement. With the funds, the school purchased Apple AirPods to reward students who met program goals. The impact was immediate and appreciated, helping to motivate students while reinforcing the value of hard work and good citizenship.

Pictured are Renee Williams, Exalted Ruler; Doug Peeler, assistant principal; and Stanley Cox, PDD, Lodge Treasurer. Also pictured are student recipients of the AirPods and Columbia High School principal and lodge member, Trey Hosford

 

1851 riders

On May 9, the Elks Riders of Perry Lodge #1851 fired up the smokers and raised $643 for the Taylor County Guardian ad Litem program through the sale of smoked pork butts! The Guardian ad Litem program advocates in the court system for the best interests of children who are abused, neglected or abandoned. Volunteers serve as the voice for these children, helping ensure they have a safe, stable and permanent home.

Pictured are Audie Towles, member; Clayton Huff, PER, Elks Riders Vice President; and Herb Clayton, Elks Riders president.

 

1851 bowden

On May 31, Perry Elks Lodge Elks Riders, along with many lodge members, came together for a benefit ride in support of Zach Bowden, a local man who was seriously injured while helping neighbors in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. His injuries required multiple surgeries, extended time off work for his wife and him, and countless trips to medical specialists. In addition, the Perry Lady Elks hosted a cake auction to support lodge charities and donated a portion of the proceeds to the Bowden family. Both fundraisers totaled more than $4,000 to ease the financial burden during his recovery.

Pictured are Herb Patterson, Elk Riders President, Janet Reems, Lady Elks President, Susan Lynn, PDD and Elks Riders Secretary, Zach Bowden, and PER Clayton Huff, Elk Riders Vice President.

 

893 easter

For over a decade, Lake City Elks Lodge #893 has sponsored the annual Easter egg hunt for voluntary prekindergarten through first grade students at eight local elementary schools. This year, the lodge donated $1,000 — $125 to each school to ensure the event’s continued success. Hundreds of students enjoyed a fun-filled Easter celebration during egg hunts held April 16-17. The lodge also shared Drug Awareness materials to help plant the seeds of healthy decision-making at a young age.

Pictured with the Easter Bunny are students in the special needs prekindergarten class at Eastside Elementary School.

 

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On Oct. 12 during the Eastside Elementary School student council induction ceremony, the Lake City Elk Mates and Elks presented the first donations to the Roger Little Eastside Elementary Alumni Scholarship. Roger Little has been the principal of Eastside Elementary for eight years and has made a big impact on the students, faculty and staff. The Elk Mates made a $100 donation. Principal Little, a lodge member, challenged the lodge that if they donated an additional $150 to make the total $250, he would match the donation. Therefore, the scholarship started at $500.

Pictured are Pamela Hartopp, Esquire, Elk Mates secretary, principal’s secretary, Eastside bookkeeper and student council sponsor; Shelly Fuller, lodge member and Elk Mates president; Hope Carroll, lodge and Elk Mates member; and Brandy Meeks, lodge member and Elk Mates treasurer.

Also pictured are Roger Little, lodge member and principal; Chris Samson, Exalted Ruler; Scott Carroll, PER, 5-year trustee (blocked from view); and Pamela Hartopp.