Southwest Central District

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Written by Brandon Elks

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For more than 16 years, Brandon Elks Lodge #2383 has hosted the annual prom night for the children of the Willis Peters Exceptional Center. Willis Peters is a school for students ages 3-22 with profound disabilities. On Feb. 13, the lodge utilized the Elks National Foundation Promise Grant to again host the prom for students and faculty.

The 2019 theme of “Let’s Blame it on the Boogie” was chosen by the students. The lodge hall was transformed into a disco and everyone came wearing their platforms, leisure suits, bell-bottoms and boogie shoes ready to dance the night away. And these kids can dance! Prom is a night of celebration and everyone thoroughly enjoyed themselves. It provides these children the opportunity to be just like other teenagers, dressing up, dancing and just enjoying their special prom night.

Lodge member Dorinda Rountree has been spearheading this annual event for years at the lodge. She is dedicated to these children and each year pulls together a team to transform the lodge into whatever theme the children come up with. 

Alex Herring, Kaitlyn Cox and C J Gamble attend the Willis Peters Exceptional Center prom hosted by Brandon Lodge #2383 Feb. 13.

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Written by Tony Bonacum

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On Feb. 9, Lakeland Elks Lodge #1291 hosted member Sandy Fuschetti's 15th annual birthday party/SPCA benefit. Members donated an array of appetizers to feed the human guests. SPCA volunteers were in attendance with a dog from the shelter who was up for adoption. A silent auction was held with every item donated by lodge members. After dinner, the Focus Group Band supplied music for everyone's dancing and listening enjoyment. Through the Elks’ generosity, the following was raised to help support the animals at the Lakeland SPCA shelter: $3,528.22; 958 lbs. of dog food; 320 lbs. of cat food; and loads of blankets, toys, kitty litter and peanut butter.

Pictured at Lakeland Lodge’s benefit for SPCA Feb. 9 is Connie Stetson.

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Written by Ronna Mason

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On Feb. 28, $400 was presented to both the Sebring Little League baseball and softball teams. PER Ronna Mason presented the check to softball coaches, Sandy Lewis and Lacy Deloach. The players pictured are Keely Lewis and Kinly Johnston. The team’s players range from 7-14 years old. The monies will be applied to offset league expenses. PDD Jim Mason presented the baseball team’s check to Bobby Green on the Elks Field. The Elks are sponsoring a team of boys 11-12 years old in the Ozone League.

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Written by Ronna Mason

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Sebring Lodge held its first golf tournament for Sebring’s JR ROTC program. The event was held at Harder Hall Golf Course and had 26 teams participate. The JR ROTC members worked very hard getting hole sponsors and prizes as well as helping during the tournament. With additional assistance from cadets’ parents, lodge members, retired Col. Mark Colbert and retired Chief Dennis Green, $5,300 was raised for the program.

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Written by Judy Wise

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Plant City Elks Lodge #1727 donated $75-gift cards to each of the 28 children and five caregivers at Everyday Blessings in Eastern Hillsborough County Feb. 3. Everyday Blessings is a home-like atmosphere for abused and neglected children and children with unsafe home issues. It is one of the few locations where siblings can stay together. The cards were purchased using an Elks National Foundation grant. The children, who have had a rough time in their short lives, were so excited when told they could spend their money on anything they wanted!

1727 everyday: Plant City Lodge First Lady, Maria; Exalted Ruler, Ron Johns; and member Judy Wise present $75-gift cards to children and caregivers at Everyday Blessings Feb. 3.