On Jan. 9, National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day, Perry Lodge honored the Taylor County Sheriff's Department, Perry Police Department, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, and Florida Highway Patrol. State Attorney John Durrett was the guest speaker, and Taylor County High JROTC presented the colors. Joel Bauldree provided pulled pork and chicken, Brent Saunders provided the entertainment, and the lodge and Perry Optimist Club provided volunteers. Pictured are Florida State Attorney, District 3, John Durrett and his family.
In February 2021, Perry Elks Lodge #1851 contributed $5,500 to two local Perry community organizations using its Elks National Foundation Beacon and Spotlight grants. They presented $3,500 to First United Methodist Church Food Pantry to help restock their supplies. Pictured are Exalted Ruler Kevin Cruce presenting the check to Kristie Anderson with the First United Methodist Church Food Bank along with volunteers Glenda Hamby, Dan Anderson, Brenda Carlton, Nancy Taylor and James Taylor. Also pictured is the presentation of $2,000 to Taylor County United to help locals in need of COVID relief. Exalted Ruler Kevin Cruce presents the check to Michelle McLeod with Taylor Count United. Joining in the presentation are Clayton Huff, Secretary Earline Neeley and Kenny Carter.
On Feb. 18, the Secretary of Lake City Elks Lodge #893, Stephanie Bennett, presented $1,000 from the Elks National Foundation Spotlight Grant to the Altrusa Club of Lake City, Florida, to be utilized in their weekly backpack project where they supply two schools with food assistance for children in need. This includes weekends, long weekends, spring break, Thanksgiving break and Christmas break. Over 25 students are given food, juices, water and other essentials such as toothpaste and toothbrushes each week depending on the need. Pictured with Bennett are Gigi Register, president of Lake City Altrusa Club, and fellow Altrusans Amy Smith and Holly Frazier.
Also on Feb. 18, Lake City Lodge donated $1,000 from the Elks National Foundation Spotlight Grant to the Christian Service Center. These funds are designated for assistance of families located in Columbia County, Florida. Executive Director of Lake City Christian Service Center, Chris Walters, accepts the check from Exalted Ruler Chuck Nicholson, PER, Stephanie Bennett, Secretary.
Tallahassee Elks Lodge# 937 donated its $2,000 Elks National Foundation Gratitude Grant to the Everhart Excellence Foundation, which supports Gretchen Everhart School for Exceptional Students by providing items that the school needs that are not covered by the school board's budget. At the lodge meeting March 2, Ron Brown, PER presents the check to Jane Floyd-Bullen, principal of Gretchen Everhart School.
Tallahassee Elks Lodge# 937 donated its $2,000 Elks National Foundation Gratitude Grant to the Everhart Excellence Foundation, which supports Gretchen Everhart School for Exceptional Students by providing items that the school needs that are not covered by the school board's budget. At the lodge meeting March 2, Ron Brown, PER presents the check to Jane Floyd-Bullen, principal of Gretchen Everhart School.