Southeast Central District

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Written by Carol and Joe Palowich

Vero Beach Lodge received a request from Dr. Chadwick Bacon, principal of Gifford Middle School, to sponsor the purchase of items for their uniform closet. The school houses a large student population of families with low incomes. With a homeless or displaced student rate of 26%, many students go home to houses with no electricity or running water. Within hours of receiving the request, members voted to purchase $2,000 worth of clothing and hygiene items. Members and spouses scoured Vero Beach for the best deals. The timing of the delivery Nov. 2 was fortunate because several students reported to the front office that they were cold and had no clothes to dress warmly.

Pictured are Pat Stelz, Community Activities Chair and project manager, and Jack "Tex" McClurken, PDD, Exalted Ruler.

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Written by Carol and Joe Palowich

On Oct. 26, Vero Beach Elks Lodge #1774 donated $2,500 for a platinum plus sponsorship for a golf scramble held Nov. 11 at Vista Plantation Golf Club in Vero Beach. The proceeds of the event will support the Tunnels to Towers Foundation to aid first responders and veterans. The foundation provides mortgage-free homes to surviving spouses with young children. Tunnels to Towers' national program aims to eradicate homelessness by providing housing and services to veterans who are homeless across America.

Pictured are Jeanette Walker, Vista Plantation Golf Club GM; Kim Taylor, lodge member and Elks liaison for Tunnels to Towers; Jack  McClurken, PDD, Exalted Ruler; and Donna Knerr, PER, trustee.

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Written by Ginny Young

On Dec. 13, Fort Pierce Police Department officers picked up approximately $7,500 worth of toys and games and 12 bicycles, along with cash and gift cards, for local children. All donations were made by lodge members and residents of Harbour Isle East and West. 

Pictured in red are members Joann and Kevin Eberle with some of the officers who packed the van.

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Written by Ginny Young

On Oct. 21, Fort Pierce Lodge participated in the 41st annual Boys & Girls Club chili cook-off, held at Clover Park in Port St. Lucie, Florida. The lodge won first place and were presented a trophy Nov. 7 at the lodge. The lodge also presented a $6,000 donation to the Boys & Girls Club.

Pictured with the trophy are Jim Johnson, PDD; Dave Aievoli, PER; and Ann Smith, Exalted Ruler.

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Written by Pauline Talbott

On Oct. 31, Sebastian Lodge members hosted a trunk or treat event to end Red Ribbon Week for the students of Fellsmere Elementary School. Drug Awareness bags were used at 11 vehicles supervised by 17 members. Drug Awareness coloring books and bookmarks and red ribbons were among the treats given, as well as candy, bouncy balls, pencils, erasers, toothbrushes and bubbles. Members paid the cost of all items besides the Drug Awareness items, which totaled more than $600. The pirate ship was donated to the school following the event. 

Pictured in front is Chuck Marchetti, PER. In the middle are Norm Malbouef, trustee; Cherrie McDonough; Fred Mays; Murphy Reyes; Bernice Mays; Keri Malbouef; Susan Hinck; Bonnie Baker; Audrey Huddy; and Lida Heydinger, PER. In the back are John McDonough; Cindy Vance; Pauline Talbott, Drug Awareness Lodge Chair; and Louie Reyes, Loyal Knight.