Tallahassee Elks Lodge #937 organized a back-to-school supplies drive for grades kindergarten through eighth grade. Two schools were chosen as recipients – Astoria Park and Ft. Braden – both in the Leon County school district. More supplies than could fit in one car were collected.
Perry Elks Lodge #1851 sent eight kids to the Florida Elks Youth Camp this summer. Two lodge members assisted with transportation to get the kids to Umatilla and back. Volunteer Todd Ratliff is pictured with Perry’s campers.
Perry Lodge also awarded cash scholarships to four local students at a presentation ceremony that included a meal for the students and their parents. Several officers and members attended and wished the students well.
On Aug. 3, Perry Lodge held its annual charity auction, a fundraising event for building its charity fund. Members and their guests took part in a social hour, dinner and the auction.
In a continuing effort of fundraising, Live Oak Elks Lodge #1165 conducted its annual golf tournament Aug. 11. The event netted $12,000 and is another example how lodges can generate income from an advertised event that provides entertainment as well as community visibility.
On Sept. 19 at the VP/DD visit, Trustee Jay Swisher announced that Lake City Elks Lodge #893 had been awarded an Elks National Foundation Beacon Grant of $2,000 for a reading program begun more than five years ago by the lodge in concert with Columbia County Schools. The school district has a grant matching incentive that added $2,000 to the lodge’s initiative, and another $2,000 was added by the FSEA’s practice of matching Beacon grants.
On Friday, May 11, Live Oak Elks Lodge #1165 in partnership with the Suwannee County Sheriff's office held a “Back the Blue” fundraiser at the lodge serving chicken and rice, green beans, coleslaw, bread and dessert for $6 each. This effort allowed the lodge to donate $3,600 to the families of fallen Sheriff Deputies Sergeant Noel Ramirez and Taylor Lindsey who were ambushed and tragically lost their lives in neighboring Gilchrist County.
Perry Lady Elks hosted the Easter Egg hunt this year attended by more than 200 kids, parents, grandparents and volunteers. On June 9, the Lady Elks also sponsored a Drug Awareness/Summer Safety Expo emphasizing bicycle safety and the dangers of drugs. Every child received a bike helmet. There was a bicycle rodeo, free car seat checks in automobiles, boating safety tips and free food. The Perry Police Department, Taylor County Sheriff’s Department and Perry Fire Department were in attendance and allowed kids to explore the emergency vehicles they brought to the event. Prizes awarded to attendees included bicycles.
Perry Lodge Exalted Ruler, Tommy Mauldin, presented the lodge’s Citizen of the Year award to Sheriff Wayne Padgett. The sheriff’s “knock the door down” and “see Something – say something” actions are making a difference in Taylor County.
Perry Lodge’s scholarship annual awards event was held June 7. Members and guests were invited to participate in the program and join in the meal that was served. The lodge is proud to announce Justin Eckel, Connor Stengel, Kinley Dorman and Katie Mays as this year’s scholarship recipients.
Perry Lodge’s annual Flag Day program was held June 14. Boy Scout Troop 600 assisted with the presentation of our country’s flags. An all-American meal of hot dogs, chips, apple pie and ice cream was served following the program and the event was open to the public.
In April, Tallahassee Elks Lodge #937 hosted Gretchen Everhart School’s dinner and prom with in-kind donations of floor space and food for the event. This is an annual occurrence at the lodge.
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:
