Northeast District

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Written by Tom Phillips

On April 7, St. Augustine Elks Lodge Exalted Ruler, Joseph Smith, left, presents a $1,500 check to David Patrick, St. Augustine Yacht Club Commodore (right), to support the new Youth Sailing Center at Salt Run.

For the first time, the lodge exceeded $100,000 in charitable donations during the 2022-2023 year, and just $10,000 of this was grant money. In recent years, the lodge has established a series of successful fundraising events, leading to more dollars for investment into the St. Augustine community. Smith believes it is only "the tip of the iceberg" of more to follow. The lodge hopes to be seen as a major player in the continued growth and success of St. Augustine and St. Johns County. A total of $106,915.83 was issued to more than 30 entities last year, including Wildflower Clinic, R.B. Hunt School, Florida School for the Deaf and Blind, Gamble Rodgers Festival, SAYC Youth Sailing Program, Hope For Vets, Marine Corp League, St. Johns Veteran Council, St. Johns County Schools, Boys and Girls Club, Firefighters for Families, YMCA, and many others.

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Written by Christie Easton

On April 8, Mandarin-St. Johns Elks Lodge #2866 delivered boxes of food to the Mandarin Food Bank. The items were purchased using $1,200 from the Elks National Foundation Gratitude Grant. Lodge members Marie Manley and Steve Easton are active volunteers at the food bank.

Pictured are Dan Henderson, Esquire; Virginia Henderson, trustee; Marie Manley, lodge member; Vicky Falzone, trustee; and Steve Easton, PER.

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Written by Deborah Reedy, PER

Hayden Heavener, representing Jacksonville Elks Lodge #221, won first place at the lodge and district Hoop Shoots before placing first for boys ages 10-11 at the North regional Hoop Shoot Jan. 28 at Columbia High School in Lake City, Florida. He then advanced to the state Hoop Shoot Feb. 18 at the Florida Elks Youth Camp, where he won first place again. He then went on to the southeast regional competition in Valdosta, Georgia, March 18, again scoring first in his age division, moving him to the national Hoop Shoot later in April. Hayden is the first contestant from Jacksonville 221 to make it to the national level. His grandfather, David Heavener, is an Elks member as well.

Pictured are Hayden and Brent Reedy, Lodge and District Hoop Shoot Chair.

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Written by Green Cove Springs Elks

On Feb. 25, Green Cove Springs Lodge hosted a community baby shower using funds from the Elks National Foundation Spotlight Grant. Fourteen new moms received a home library of children's books, diaper bag, diaper wipes, toys, bottles and bibs as well as door prizes such as strollers, playpens, booster seats and bath sets. Lodge volunteers and representatives from Florida Elks Children's Therapy Services, Green Cove Springs Library, The Way Clinic and the Head Start program helped welcome the families. A delicious lunch was served, too.

Photo 1: Lodge volunteers

Photo 2: New mom Christine Kerr and daughter Danielle, FECTS therapist Rae Montgomery, new mom Leah Evans, lodge member Anna Eden, FECTS therapist Melanie Sarris

Photo 3: Volunteers Lisette Fiannaca, Head Start; lodge member Mary Bolla; Andrea Crowder, The Way Clinic associate director; and Marisol Buitrago, Head Start center manager

Photos 4-6: Gifts and baby supplies

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Written by Green Cove Springs Elks

During February, Green Cove Springs Lodge held its annual Comfort Campaign. Members and guests donated more than 150 new stuffed animals to support local law enforcement officers in providing comfort to the children they meet on their calls. On March 10, officers from Green Cove Springs Police Department and Clay County Sheriff’s Office were guests of the lodge for dinner and received the stuffed animals.

Lodge members and volunteers pictured packing the stuffed animals are Greg Hughson, PDD; Kathy Hughson, volunteer; Wendy Hughson, member; Izzy Hughson, volunteer; Jennifer Parker, member; Elinore Williams, volunteer; Tracy Carroll, PER; and Greg Hughson, Jr., member.

Pictured at the presentation are Althea Orvosh, volunteer; Izzy Hughson, volunteer; Al Williams, Exalted Ruler; Officer Babcock, GCSPD; Officer Morando, GCSPD; Josh Lee, GCSPD Community Relations; Deputy Burns, CCSO;  Sergeant Hess, GCSPD; Deputy Freshour, CCSO Community Affairs; and Lt. Coyle, CCSO.