On March 9, Susan Senterfitt, Exalted Ruler of Gainesville Elks Lodge #990, presented a $500 check to Mackenzie Shaw, a Legacy Scholarship recipient attending the University of Florida. The donation, from the Exalted Ruler’s stipend, will support Noah’s Endeavor, a nonprofit which provides activities such as bowling and field days for those with special needs. Through her course and volunteer work at UF, Shaw and others have partnered with Noah's Endeavor to secure sponsors and donations.
On May 5, Gainesville Elks Lodge #990 was presented with the Elks National Youth Week proclamation by the City of Gainesville City Commission.
Pictured are BJ Sullivan, chaplain; Louis Mallory, Exalted Ruler; Becky Spence, PER; and Bonnie Mott, trustee.
To show appreciation for all they do, St. Augustine Lodge and Bridge City Realty hosted their annual Heroes Night Out for first responders Nov. 13. More than 150 St. Johns County first responders and their families along with lodge members enjoyed a barbecue meal catered by The Saucy Pig. There was music by The Saltones and a drawing for gifts provided by Bright Realty, Movement Mortgage and Landrieu of America.
Pictured are first responders and their families enjoying dinner and music.
On Dec. 4, members and volunteers of Green Cove Springs Lodge provided gift bags to 392 children ranging in age from infants to teens at the city's Christmas on Walnut Street event. The items were purchased with lodge funds and included books, toys and candy canes. Members organized and packaged the bags the weekend before.
Pictured are Elks members as well as members greeting families.
St. Augustine Lodge delivered 15 bags and five boxes of food Oct. 4 valued at $520 to the Emergency Services and Homeless Coalition of St. Johns County in St. Augustine, Florida. This organization provides transitional housing for families as well as job training and continuing education to enable clients to move into permanent housing.
Pictured are Elizabeth Bastedo, co- chair; Rich Bastedo, member; Cathy Walsh co-chair; and Kevin Walsh, trustee.