South Miami/Coral Gables Elks Lodge #1676 had its Elks National Foundation Impact Grant renewed for 2025. The $10,000 grant supports four quarterly events the lodge produces to help promote autism awareness. This is the second year the lodge has partnered with the University of Miami & Nova Southeastern University CARD Program (Center for Autism & Related Disabilities). On March 19, the lodge hosted a virtual lunch and learn employment series entitled Social Filter. Twelve CARD clients attended the live Zoom meeting. All seminars are posted on a website for others to watch and learn skills that will help them prepare for job interviews. The lodge used $250 of the Impact Grant to pay the instructor's fee. On March 22, the lodge hosted CARD clients and their families and caregivers to a barbecue lunch, which featured a magic show. This was followed by a Hoop Shoot and Soccer Shoot. Clients not interested in these activities can visit a game room with various board games to play. The lodge also provided a quiet room, which was dimly lit with soothing music for relaxation. Taking care of a loved one with autism can be stressful. This event provided a secure, pleasant atmosphere for CARD clients and their families to relax and enjoy the various entertainment. Many parents and caregivers were very appreciative, stating that no other organization has offered this kind of support. About 107 individuals attended this event. The lodge spent $1894.93 of the Impact Grant for this event.
Pictured are Kenneth Duvall, Dr. Diane Adreon, and Gus Bel, CARD staff members; Jimmy Cielinski, magician and new Elk; and Jennifer Feinstein, CARD staff member.
On May 29, Florida Keys Lodge officers Loretta Dettmann, trustee, and Sheryl Spear, Treasurer, presented scholarships to 17 seniors from Coral Shores High School in Tavernier. A total of $50,000 was awarded, ranging from $500 to $7,500 scholarships. The scholarship funds came from fundraising activities, including the weekly bingo games and the Show Me the Money game.
On May 8, Florida Keys Lodge presented eight students with $400 scholarships for having exceptional leadership abilities. A dinner and ceremony were held in their honor, with Doug Hitchcock from Thunder Country 100.3 as the master of ceremonies.
Pictured are Jamie Cary, Chloe Cummings, Shay Stober, and Harley Beeler from Coral Shores High School; Isaac Woods and Serenity Scalisi from Plantation Keys School; Doug Hitchcock; and Cole Hajec and Emily Morales-Sanchez from Key Largo School.
On May 2, Florida Keys Elks Lodge #1872 donated $4,000 to Key Largo School for the student lunch fund.
Pictured are Ms. Zepeda, assistant principal; Neal Gill, lodge board member; Mr. PaĆs, principal; and Ms. Fisher, assistant principal.
On Nov. 23, Key West Elks Lodge #551 held its annual holiday craft show fundraiser at the lodge. Members of the lodge and the community were invited to be vendors. The money raised will go toward purchasing items for local veterans.
Pictured are members and vendors.