On March 21, the 40th annual Gainesville Elks golf tournament took place after two prior cancellations due to the pandemic. Seventy-four players attended and more than $5,000 was donated to charities from this event.
Gainesville Lodge held a drawing for a 50" TV March 17, with all donations benefiting Family Promise of Gainesville, which provides families experiencing homelessness with compassionate care that includes case management, education, housing, meals and transportation until they can transition to a home of their own. A check for $3,041 was presented to Jayne Moraski, Executive Director, by Betty J. Sullivan, Lecturing Knight (left), and Susan Senterfitt, Exalted Ruler (right).
On March 17, Gainesville Elks Lodge #990 presented a $900 donation to the PALS (Partners in Adolescent Lifestyle Support) program. PALS THRIVE strives to prevent suicide, violence and bullying by providing an inclusive atmosphere in schools and professional intervention and programming. The $900 came from the lodge’s award for first place in the State President’s grant competition. New member Lynn Read accepts the donation from Susan Senterfitt, Exalted Ruler. Read has supported PALS for years.
Using approximately $1,450 of its Elks National Foundation Beacon Grant, Jacksonville Elks Lodge #221 provided six local families with Christmas gifts and a holiday dinner which were delivered by Santa. Members enjoyed shopping, wrapping and delivering all the gifts to the families. Chair of this project, Betsy Bryant, is pictured wrapping gifts. Santa is also pictured with a thankful mother.
On Nov. 24, Green Cove Springs Elks Lodge #1892 donated 40 hams and turkeys to the Green Cove Springs Police Department to assist in their holiday community outreach. These were delivered to local families to help with their holiday dinners. Pictured are Richard Felkey, lodge member, and his wife, Delores Felkey; Gerilynn Barton, evidence custodian and lodge member; Commander Shawn Hines; Officer Josh Lee; and Officer Nick Rubin.