South Southwest District

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Written by Rotonda Elks

On April 19, Rotonda Elks Lodge #2710 held a fundraising golf tournament at Rotonda Palms Golf Course for two local causes. The tournament raised $15,819. A donation of $5,819 was given to Charlie’s CRT (Community Response Team). Their mission is to provide assistance in emergencies, such as hurricanes. They deliver food and water and they help with cleaning up debris after a storm. Pictured with this donation are John Blanchette, member; Ed Toth, PER; and Debbie Hargrove, PDD, Exalted Ruler.

A donation of $10,000 was also given to the Homeless Coalition, which serves 300 meals per week to veterans experiencing homelessness in Charlotte County. Pictured with this donation are Ed Toth, PER; Tina Figliuolo and Lisa Pervin, Homeless Coalition representatives; John Blanchette, member; and Debbie Hargrove, PDD, Exalted Ruler.

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Written by Diane Hendrick

Fort Myers Elks Lodge #1288 collected gently used and new clothing for Eva’s Closet & Foundation during May. An SUV loaded with the donations were delivered to the foundation’s warehouse June 5. Eva’s Closet & Foundation is a nonprofit organization that serves more than 1,500 individuals in southwest Florida each month who are experiencing homelessness, poverty and other risk factors. They provide necessities at no cost, including clothing, shoes, hygiene items, baby supplies, food, household supplies and school supplies.

Pictured are trustees Irma Spencer and Diane Hendrick delivering the clothing to Jessica Goodall, center, the foundation founder.

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Written by Teresa Bird

On Jan. 25, Punta Gorda Elks Lodge #2606 hosted another regular blood drive. The One Blood organization donated a T-shirt and a $20 gift card to all participants, and the lodge donated a T-shirt and a $10 gift card to all participants. Members donated a total of 25 pints. One pint of blood saves three lives, so this drive will save 75 lives. 

Pictured are Teresa Alexander, One Blood account representative, right, presenting Ambrose Yelovich, PER, Lodge Chaplain and blood drive coordinator, with a decal signifying his donation of his 27th gallon of blood.

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Written by Teresa Bird

On Dec. 7, Punta Gorda Elks Lodge #2606 donated $500 to Dolly Parton's Imagination Library. They provide a free book to children who are registered, ages birth to 5 years old, which is mailed to them on a monthly basis. This encourages reading success in school and throughout their adult life.

On Dec. 9, Punta Gorda Lodge6 made donations to the Elks National Foundation for $800 and to Florida Elks Children's Therapy Services for $800 stemming from proceeds of the bi-monthly Sunday breakfasts for the last quarter of the year.

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Written by Teresa Bird

On Oct. 10, the Punta Gorda Elks Lodge Past Exalted Rulers Association hosted its 28th annual Oktoberfest celebration. A large variety of German delectables was served to 248 members and guests. The proceeds of $3,395.41 were raised for the Elks National Foundation and Florida Elks Children's Therapy Services. The surplus food was donated to Jesus Loves You Ministry, an outreach program for the homeless in the community with a value of $180.