South Southwest District

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Written by Christine Horn

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On Saturday, Sept. 12, Rotonda Elks Lodge’s property once again evolved into a large playing field for their third Special Olympics event. Elkette President, Ginny Perry, hosted this event for 55 children and young adults. Before the games began, the American Legion 113 Honor Guard presented the flag. The athletes enjoyed soccer, track, softball toss, bocce, putting golf balls and a beanbag toss. After the competition, volunteers served lunch to some very hungry athletes. Exalted Ruler, Phil Sommers, conducted the award ceremony and distributed medals to all the hardworking athletes. At the closing, one young adult mentioned that he would be back next year. The lodge members were proud to be a part of the 50th year’s celebration of Special Olympics.

Rotonda Lodge’s Bob Humphreys, PER raised the flag with one of the athletes competing in the Special Olympics.

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Written by Joann Sutton

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Twenty-three Punta Gorda Elkettes attended the 55th annual Florida Ladies of Elks conference in September. They brought with them a $5,000 donation for Florida Elks Children’s Therapy Services, a $600 donation from the Elkette bocce league for the Florida Elks Youth Camp wish list, and bed pillows and linens for the camp cabins.

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Written by Joann Sutton

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The South Southwest District Past Exalted Rulers sponsored a spaghetti dinner hosted by Punta Gorda Lodge Sunday, Sept. 10, to benefit Ron Rehner who has been afflicted with a life-threatening ailment. He is the son-in-law of Don (deceased) and Colleen Roll. Don Roll was the first Exalted Ruler of Punta Gorda Lodge and his daughter is Jacquie Rehner, SWC District Deputy Grand Exalted Ruler and ENF grants coordinator. In addition to proceeds from the dinner, raffles and donations including $250 from the Punta Gorda Elkettes, a check in the amount of $4,500 was presented to help with medical bills.

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Written by Judy Hopkins

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Greater Pine Island Lodge honored the anniversary of Sept. 11 by preparing and delivering a lasagna dinner to their neighboring first responders.

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Written by Christine Horn

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Using an Elks National Foundation grant, Rotonda Elks Lodge #2710 sponsored its first children's shop-with-firefighters/first responders event. A group of children from kindergarten through seventh grade gathered at Walmart to shop for Father’s Day with members from the lodge and firefighters and first responders from the Englewood Area Fire Control District Station 71. They helped the children select gifts for their fathers.

The firefighters took time to explain fire safety in the home, safety in the pool, helped children consider a fire plan in the event of a house fire and demonstrated how they put on their gear. Two hook and ladder trucks were available for the children to walk through. The kids were thrilled and had many questions.