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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With a total of $7,000 from its Elks National Foundation Beacon Grant and matching funds from the Florida State Elks Association, Brandon Lodge made monetary donations to four schools and two food banks. The lodge has partnered with these six organizations supporting their needs with funds from the Beacon Grant for the past several years. This year, because of the pandemic, rather than purchasing specific items on their behalf, the schools, food banks and lodge agreed that the organizations and the community would be best served by providing monetary funds so the schools and food banks could purchase and distribute what is needed by their organizations to help their students and community during the pandemic. On Feb. 15, representatives from Yates Elementary School, Burnett Middle School, Mango Elementary School and Willis Peters Exceptional Center School were invited to the lodge to receive a $1,000 check. Representatives from Echo Food Pantry and Nativity Food Pantry were also invited to receive a $1,500 check. Members were present to share in the support of these organizations and to show them appreciation for what they do for the community. Pictured are Mark Vargo, Exalted Ruler; Lisa Varnum, Yates principal; Vaniece Johnson, Yates social worker; Valerie Newton, Burnett principal; Sabriba Ruiz, Mango principal; Lisa Hendricks, Willis Peters Exceptional Center principal; Sabrina Thompson, Echo Food Pantry representative; Judi and Phil Bodinet, Nativity Food Pantry representatives; and Sharon Hammersla, PER, Southwest Central District Vice President.