On Sept. 14, Perry Lodge hosted a biker bash and Jeep jam poker run that raised $607 for its youth activities program. Over 25 jeeps and motorcycles participated in the 100 mile run. The morning ride starting at the lodge and ended at Walter B’s, a favorite watering hole and tiki bar on Beach Road for a fun afternoon of fellowship and fundraising.
The Perry Lady Elks hosted a Christmas-in-July event where they prepared and sold barbecue lunches. Additional vendors set up as well for attendees to shop. Mr. and Mrs. Claus made an appearance as well. The event raised $807 for the Elks National Foundation.
During the summer, the Perry Lady Elks, Elk members and volunteers came together to help a local family battling leukemia. The family of four-year-old Marvin Overstreet was able to attend the lodge-sponsored brunch fundraiser, and he was definitely the star of the day! The Perry Lady Elks donated a check in the amount of $2,002.25 to the Overstreet family. The overwhelming love, relief and joy they were given during this event warmed the hearts of many and will help this family in covering the cost of travel for further treatments.
Perry Elks Lodge #1851 sent six youngsters this summer from the Perry, Fla., area to the Florida Elks Youth Camp – two kids going early in the camping season and four others going together later. Transportation to the camp was provided by six adults, including parents and lodge members, who carpooled to get the kids to camp and home again. Two of the campers were returning this year and have aspirations of becoming counselors-in-training next year.
Campers, parents and members make their way from Perry, Fla., to the Florida Elks Youth Camp for summer camp in Umatilla, Fla.
A back-to-school bash was held at Tallahassee Elks Lodge #937 in August and featured the movie Mary Poppins as well as hot dogs, mac and cheese, popcorn, lemonade, and ice cream sandwiches. A special visit by Elroy the Elk was a surprise for both parents and kids. School supplies and cash were collected by the lodge and totaled $1,000 and was donated to Leon County Astoria Park Elementary School.
From Sept. 12-15, Tallahassee Lodge sponsored its annual Gretchen Everhart School trip to the Florida Elks Youth Camp. With the help of an Elks National Foundation Gratitude Grant of $2,000, the lodge procured two buses to transport kids and their families to the camp.
In April, Tallahassee Elks Lodge #937 hosted the WAVE (Widening Adult Vital Experience Inc.) spring event. WAVE is an organization comprised of adults who are emotionally and physically challenged, many of whom graduated from Gretchen Everhart School, who retain their social interaction with many friends from their youth. The lodge donates space for WAVE events without charge. This event included music provided by DJ "Captain Bob" Thorburn, Exalted Ruler, for the participants' dancing pleasure.
In concert with the local acting group Theatre Tallahassee, Tallahassee Lodge donated space and hosted an evening of theatre and dinner. The performance was comprised of four brief comedy skits and as the actors left the stage, they delivered plates of food to the folks in the audience. Food was served in four courses – one course between each act. Well attended, the evening allowed Theatre Tallahassee a free venue to share their acting skills and attract new audiences to further productions away from the local theatre where performances are normally staged.
The Lady Elks of Perry Lodge held a fundraising brunch June 30 to benefit Marvin Overstreet, a four-year-old boy battling leukemia. Marvin is receiving treatment in Gainesville, Fla., and funds raised will help his family offset travel costs as well as medical expenses.
Perry Lodge awarded four $500 scholarships to local students June 12 at the lodge and included dinner for the scholars and their families. Their goals included forensic scientist, CPA, industrial engineer, pilot and business management. Pictured are Kevin Eckel; Susan Lynn, incoming District Deputy; Clayton Huff, Exalted Ruler; Carley Ondash and Alyssa Broome. Not pictured is Eli Dorman.
Perry Lodge conducted its Flag Day ceremony on the steps of the Taylor County Court House. Event coordinator, Wendy Cruce, printed flyers and distributed to all downtown merchants so they would have the opportunity to attend. Taylor County Sheriff, Wayne Padgett, assisted with arrangements for the setup at the court house. Scout Troop 600 which is sponsored by Perry Lodge was on hand for the presentation of the flags. Member Kevin Cruce led the attendees in “God Bless America” and the national anthem. Exalted Ruler, Clayton Huff; Leading Knight, Kevin Cruce; Esquire, Eric Hodge; and member Mark Wiggins performed.
Participating in a Flag Day event at the Taylor County Court House are Scout Troop 600 and Perry Lodge members Kevin Cruce, Leading Knight; Mark Wiggins; Clayton Huff, Exalted Ruler; and Eric Hodge, Esquire.
The annual Summer Safety and Drug Awareness Expo was conducted May 18 and was attended by Perry Lodge members and local law enforcement. Drug awareness information was shared with the kids, bicycles were inspected for safety, bicycle helmets were given away and games were held. Game winners received tickets redeemable for prizes and those tickets were put in a bowl for a drawing. There were 25 kids who received new bicycles. Businesses sponsoring the events included Duke Energy, Yarborough Tire, North Florida Printing, Studstills, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Perry Fire Department, Perry Police Department, Division of Forestry, EMS, Taylor County Health Department, Little Pine Pediatrics, and Pepsi.
Perry Elks Lodge's second annual Easter egg hunt was held April 20 and was hosted by the Perry Elks Ladies organization. The Easter Bunny saw almost 125 kids! The ladies gave out prizes including kites, crafts, pencils with the lodge's name on them, candy bags, paddle ball games and more. Several local businesses including Ace Hardware and Studstills donated prizes. More than 20 volunteers helped run the event.
Lake City Elks Lodge's CPA and member, Joy Lutz, volunteered May 18 for as it was a day of service for Florida CPAs. The lodge had a list of things to accomplish that day with support of other members. Lutz and her staff donated supplies and labor to update one of the lodge bathrooms.
Lake City Lodge awarded several scholarships to students from Columbia High School. Hanna Wheeler, Cameron Nichols, Kellie Smith and Callahan Register were each awarded $600. Destiny Wilson, Hailey Jones, Ashton Lizotte and Eve Caputo were each awarded $300. From Ft. White High School, Noah Wolf and Trey Houk were each awarded $300.
Let's promote what our Florida Elks are doing to support your community
Louisiana State Legislature Increases New Orleans Hotel Occupancy Tax
The Legislature of the State of Louisiana has acted to increase the New Orleans Hotel Occupancy Tax from 13% to 14.75% effective April 1, 2014. This will affect our convention room rates and they will go from $128.56 to $130.52 per night.
Convention Attendees With ADA Transportation Needs Urged To Contact Grand Lodge
In order for the Grand Lodge to support the transportation needs of attendees with disabilities you are urged to contact the Grand Lodge if you require special assistance. Special coaches capable of kneeling to accommodate wheel chairs will be placed along the routes for those in need. If you require assistance please contact Tina or Jessica at the Grand Lodge as follows:
