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P.O. Box 49
Umatilla, FL 32784-0049
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Southwest District
South Hillsborough Elks Host Dance for Lennard HS Students with Special Needs
- Details
- Written by South Hillsborough Elks
On April 14, South Hillsborough Elks Lodge #2672 sponsored a spring dance for the students at Lennard High School who have special needs. More than 75 children, parents and staff members were in attendance. They were so impressed, especially with Florida Elks Children’s Therapy Services, that they donated $400 to that program.
Pictured are Grace Bibisi, PER, event coordinator; Denny, a student; and Allan Ross, educator.
Lakewood Ranch-Sarasota Elks Raise Funds for Hooves with H.E.A.R.T.
- Details
- Written by JoAnn Reddy
On June 11, Lakewood Ranch-Sarasota Lodge held a breakfast and vendor fair to raise money for Hooves with H.E.A.R.T. (Horse Education and Riding Therapy). Their mission is to provide support and hope to individuals with special needs through equine-assisted activities and riding therapies. The lodge raised more than $1,200.
Pictured are two of the riding therapists, Susannah Cripe and Danielle Curtis.
South Hillsborough Host Graduation for RCMA Students
- Details
- Written by South Hillsborough Elks
On May 26, South Hillsborough Lodge sponsored a graduation for RCMA (Redlands Christian Migrant Association), whose motto is Opening Doors to Opportunities. These 44 young men and women had many achievements and the lodge members were proud to provide the building for their graduation.
Pictured are the students and guests.
Bradenton Elks Lodge Hosts Awards Ceremony for Hooves with H.E.A.R.T.
- Details
- Written by Bradenton Elks
On June 24, Bradenton Elks Lodge #1511 hosted an awards ceremony for Hooves with H.E.A.R.T., a horse therapy organization for children who have special needs. The Southwest District, Lakewood Ranch-Sarasota Elks Lodge #2855 and Bradenton Lodge donated a total of $5,500 toward their programs.
Pictured are Susan Erwin, PER, Bradenton #1511; Coleen Gallant, Florida Elks Children’s Therapy Services Director; Fiona Danielle Curtis, Hooves with Heart Director; and Bob Erwin, PDD, Bradenton #1511.
Manasota Elks Lodge Donates Supplies to Abel Elementary and Receives Heartfelt Thank You Letter
- Details
- Written by Diane Davis
Manasota Elks Lodge #2734 used the Florida State Elks Association’s matching Elks National Foundation Beacon Grant funds to purchase school supplies on Abel Elementary School’s wish list and delivered them April 8. The school sent the following thank you letter May 3.
In the delivery picture are Mary Lauderdale, fifth grade teacher, front; Spike Klocke, lodge grant coordinator, middle; and Diane Davis, lodge four-year trustee; Ken Davis, PDD, Esquire; Liz Gardini, fifth grade co-teacher; and Jim Klocke, lodge two-year trustee. Also pictured with the supplies are Jennifer Moore, assistant principal; and Bryan Baker, student support specialist.
Abel Elementary would like to extend their sincere gratitude for everything you have done for our students and staff members. Your consistent support for the past two years has been a wonderful addition to our Abel family of eagles.
You have provided our school with countless supplies, offered our students opportunities to meet Santa, given our students a chance to participate in writing contests, and provided our team with a wonderful, kind foundation of support.
It is groups like the Elks lodge that make it possible for us as a Title 1 school to continuously support our students and we cannot thank you enough!
We look forward to our continued partnership and want you to know that the Elks Lodge of Manasota will forever be a part of our Abel Eagle Family.
Thank you for all you do!
Easter Seals Happiness House Receives Donation from Lakewood Ranch-Sarasota Elks
- Details
- Written by JoAnn Reddy
On June 17, Lakewood Ranch-Sarasota Lodge donated $500 to the Easter Seals Happiness House in Sarasota, Florida. Their program assists children with disabilities so they can have more access, opportunities and life choices.
Pictured are Faith Frost, Leading Knight (middle) and her two great grandsons presenting the check to Miss Jody and Miss Courtney, two of the program directors.
Lakewood Ranch-Sarasota Elks Lodge Hosts Flag Day Ceremony with Manatee HS JROTC
- Details
- Written by JoAnn Reddy
On June 12, Lakewood Ranch-Sarasota Lodge invited the Manatee High School JROTC to present the varied historical flags during the lodge’s annual Flag Day ceremony. In appreciation, the lodge donated $250 to their program.
Pictured are members of the JROTC and several lodge officers and Americanism committee members.
Sarasota South Elks Lodge Shares Elks Program Info at Youth Running Events
- Details
- Written by Alexis Robbins
Alexis Robbins, a member of Sarasota South Elks Lodge #2495, has been the volunteer community coordinator of the Sarasota Healthy Kids Running Series (HKRS) since early 2019. This program engages communities and families by providing an inclusive youth running experience, inspiring kids to believe in themselves and lead an active healthy lifestyle. HKRS was created by Jeff Long, founder and president of Pattison Sports Group, to motivate kids to lead a healthy and active lifestyle through a positive introduction to the world of running. To combat increasing rates of childhood obesity in America, he designed a running program that provides a fun environment and builds self-esteem. HKRS is a national, community-based nonprofit program that provides a fun, inclusive five-week running series in the fall and spring for ages 2-14 to get active, feel accomplished and lay the foundation for a healthy lifestyle. Races include a 50-yard dash for 2- and 3-year-olds, a 75-yard dash for 4- and 5-year-olds, a 1/4 mile for kindergarteners and first graders, a 1/2 mile for second and third graders, and a mile for fourth through eighth graders. There is also a 75-yard dash, an inclusive race for children with special needs. The fall series begins Sept. 11 and takes place at 3:45 p.m. Sundays in Payne Park. At each event, Robbins shares information about the Elks Drug Awareness Education program, Hoop Shoot and Soccer Shoot.
Lakewood Ranch-Sarasota Elks Lodge Hosts Food Drive for EFELT
- Details
- Written by JoAnn Reddy
On April 10 at Lakewood Ranch-Sarasota Elks Lodge’s annual car show which encouraged visitors to bring food items, they and Bradenton Elks Lodge #1511 held a stuff-the-truck event for EFELT (Elks Feeding Empty Little Tummies). The EFELT program donates food to 11 nearby schools to provide meals for children during the weekend. As a result, the amount of food and money donations helped feed the children for the rest of the school year.
Pictured with the EFELT supply truck and van are volunteers: Clay Wakefield, Lodge #2855; Art Long, Lodge #1511; Jack Jernigan, Lodge #2855; and Brian Dunne, Lodge #2855.
Bradenton Elks Lodge Provides Additional Support to Manatee County Children's Services
- Details
- Written by Bradenton Elks
On Feb. 12, Bradenton Elks Lodge #1511 donated its $3,500 Elks National Foundation Beacon Grant to Manatee County Children’s Services. This organization provides advocacy, support with homelessness, basic medical needs, counseling and tutoring for children who are at risk.
Pictured are Bob Erwin, PDD, Exalted Ruler, and Krista Post, Manatee County Children’s Services development coordinator.
Manasota Elks Lodge Hosts Painting Party for a Cause
- Details
- Written by Diane Davis
On Feb. 28, Manasota Elks Lodge #2734 hosted a painting party at the lodge. Member Cheri Arciniega was the instructor for 19 members and guests, who chose to paint either a gnome or a jellyfish. There was much fun and laughter at this event, all while raising $100 for the Florida Elks Youth Camp, as $5 per participant and instructor went to the cause.
Pictured with their gnome paintings are Carolyn Hostetler, Dee Babcock (guest), Janet Moyer, Renee Hauck (guest), Marilyn Patton and Jamie Yates.
Pictured with their jellyfish paintings are (front row) Jeanne Wordell, Wanda Burke, Toni Iannuzzi and Diane Davis. In the back row are Stephanie Lund, Carol Femia, Pam McDowell, Robin Hutchins, Guy Mugavero, Monica Wycoff and Jessica (guest, last name unavailable).
Manasota Elks Lodge Fundraiser Raises $2,500 for Florida Elks Children's Therapy Services
- Details
- Written by Diane Davis
On March 5, Manasota Lodge held its annual pig roast fundraiser. This year’s proceeds were earmarked for Florida Elks Children’s Therapy Services (FECTS). Members Bobbie and Sonny Woods donated and cooked the pig. There were ribs, barbecue chicken and pulled pork sandwiches and sides. There was also a chance auction, craft vendors and music by JB Carr. The district’s FECTS therapist, Clara Budynsky, did an outstanding job explaining the program and her duties as a Florida Elks therapist. The event raised $2,500.
Pictured are Sonny and Bobbie Woods.