Florida Elks News Editor:
Rachael King
 
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Florida State Elks Association Inc.
P.O. Box 49
Umatilla, FL 32784-0049
352-669-9443

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2855 flag

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.

 

2495 hkrs

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.

 

2855 efelt

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.

 

1511 mana

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.

 

      2734 Gnome   2734 Jellyfish

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).

 

2734 pig cropped

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.

 

2855 race 1  2855 race 2

The Past Exalted Rulers of Lakewood Ranch-Sarasota Lodge held its annual Day at the Races event Feb. 20. Members pick their favorite horses from a list of 10 races that took place around the country. At this event, $3,500 was raised, which will be used to fund lodge charities.

Pictured are lodge members lining up to place their next bets and members reviewing the horse statistics while waiting for the race to begin.

 

Jim Lamb, PDD of Sarasota South Elks Lodge #2495 has served as the Sarasota County Coordinator for the Marine Reserve Toys for Tots Campaign for the past 20 years. This year was an especially busy year with all the problems associated with the pandemic and families requesting help for Christmas for their children. A total of 184,769 toys, including bicycles, books and stocking stuffers, were distributed to 17,540 children. Lamb organized the program and 51 lodge members worked 23,340 hours. PER Dave and Sherie Gillum of Venice-Nokomis Lodge #1854 helped, too. Richard Bouchard, PER from Sarasota South Lodge hosted a cruise-themed Toys for Tots fundraiser at the lodge that raised more than $5,000. Other campaign volunteers were from the VFW Post 3233, local schools and the Fraternal Order of Eagles #2756. Multiple businesses also held fundraisers throughout the county to support this year’s campaign.

 

2855 thor

On Dec. 22, Rick and Kay Thorson, members of Lakewood Ranch-Sarasota Lodge (pictured), delivered food baskets purchased by the lodge to the Salvation Army that contained items for 12 complete Christmas dinners. The food was then distributed to 12 targeted families sponsored by Pathway to Hope, an organization working with families that desire to break the generational cycle of crisis and enable a path out of poverty.

 

2855 blood 1  2855 blood 2

Every eight weeks, Lakewood Ranch-Sarasota Lodge hosts the Sun Coast Blood Center for lodge members and their families to donate their lifesaving blood. Each donated unit can help treat up to three patients.

Pictured Dec. 16 are lodge member JoAnn Reddy and the Sun Coast bus.

 

2672 hoop

South Hillsborough Lodge held its annual Hoop Shoot Dec. 7 at Lennard Hight School in Ruskin, Florida. There were 21 participants. Pictured are first place winners Philip Greene, 12-13 boys; Hailey Palpazer, 10-11 girls; Breanna Gulotta, 12-13 girls; Manuel Rodriquez, 10-11 boys; and Dillon Hobbs, 8-9 boys.                       

 

2672 foster

Again this year, South Hillsborough Lodge participated in the Christmas tree program for children in foster care, and on Dec. 15, they provided presents for more than 20 children. The presents completely filled one trailer. Pictured are Matthew Perry from Foster Angels of Hillsborough County; Steve Conrad, Exalted Ruler; Ned Letts, Lecturing Knight; Janet Meyer, Loyal Knight; and Sugar Conrad, Leading Knight.