Using a portion of the Elks National Foundation Beacon Grant, Green Cove Springs Lodge held its first of three Summer Reading in the Park events June 1. Partnering with the Green Cove Springs Police Department, the lodge provided books and snacks to 16 children and 15 adults at the Spring Park gazebo, with Officer Holien entertaining the families as the guest reader. The lodge held its second story time July 6 and will hold its third Aug. 3.
Pictured are Greg Hughson, PDD, and Jennifer Parker, Exalted Ruler, distributing books, and Officer Holien reading to the families.
On May 18, Gainesville Lodge member Joey Sarkey delivered the lodge's collection of can tabs to the Ronald McDonald House and presented them to Marie Swift, manager. These tabs go exclusively to paying the utility bill. She noted that these two bags weighing 10 pounds will go a long way toward paying one month's bill.
On May 2, Gainesville Elks Lodge #990 received a proclamation from the Gainesville mayor, designating May 1-7 as Youth Week in the city.
Pictured are Jeanette Sexton, Esquire; Bobby Andreu, Exalted Ruler; Najwa Liscombe, trustee; Mayor Harvey Ward Jr.; Tim Pohlman, trustee; and Louis Mallory, PER, trustee.
On May 1, Green Cove Springs Elks Lodge #1892 celebrated Elks National Youth Week. Mayor Connie Butler presented a Youth Week proclamation on behalf of the city council. Also in attendance was Master Chief Donald Green of Clay High School, who with Jennifer Parker, Exalted Ruler, presented the Elks NJROTC certificate and medal for outstanding leadership and effort to Cadet Caden Rivers. The lodge also donated 12 backpacks full of school supplies to the local Head Start center to assist their students entering kindergarten. The mayor, the Rivers family, Master Chief Green, and the Head Start representatives were guests of the lodge for dinner. The event was attended by more than 90 members and guests.
Pictured are Jennifer Parker, Exalted Ruler; Stuart Williams, Leading Knight; Mayor Connie Butler; Wendy Hughson, Youth Committee Chair; Master Chief Donald Green of Clay High School; Cadet Caden Rivers; and Chanda and Rick Rivers.
Also pictured are Jennifer Parker, Exalted Ruler; Marisol Buitrago, Head Start site coordinator; and Lizette Fiannaca, Head Start family service advocate.
On March 3, Gainesville Elks Lodge #990 held its 43rd annual golf tournament in support of the Florida Elks major projects. The event raised $2,200 for Florida Elks Youth Camp camperships and $500 for Florida Elks Children's Therapy Services. Volunteering was Alex Cooper, center, the daughter of State President Joe Cooper, who assisted in passing out bags to the 84 players attending. She was doing volunteer work in conjunction with her Elks National Foundation Legacy Scholarship while attending the University of Florida.