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.
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.
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.
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.
On Sept. 29, Fort Pierce Elks Lodge #1520 donated $2,000 to CA Moore School to send fifth grade student council members on a bus trip to the Science Fair in Orlando, Florida. The lodge supports the school upon requests, as they are the poorest school in the area.
Pictured are teachers Vanessa Turner, Decreeta Green-Moore and Tammy Leggett; Bob Citto, Leading Knight; and students Demari Lampkin, Hollice Fortune, Milley Sanders, Toriell Roberts and Deybi Torress.