On May 16, Lakeland Elks Lodge #1291 made a donation of $500 to the Jean O’Dell School to purchase printing supplies and paper. This school is for kids who have autism and special needs. Pictured are Jamie Yost, assistant principal; Ashley Grupi, special-needs teacher; and April Summer, principal. Harry-Anna Trust Fund State Chairman, Mark Daniels, and Lakeland Exalted Ruler, Rick Burton, were at the presentation and received a tour of the school.
In mid-May, Ronna Mason from Sebring Elks Lodge #1529 presented a $1,200 check to Col. Mike Brown, undersheriff of the Highlands County Sheriff’s Office. This donation was earmarked for the sheriff’s youth camp located at Inglis near Crystal River which is for troubled youth ages 10-15.
Lake Placid Lodge members were involved in planning and presenting a mystery theater fundraiser which was well attended by the community. All proceeds were given to the Highlands County Sheriff Department K-9 Unit. Sheriff Blackman, the officers and their dogs were invited. They demonstrated the special training that goes into the obedience and drug-sniffing techniques of the dogs. The audience participated with many questions about these dogs. A check for $2,900 was presented to the K-9 Unit for the improvement of their training facility and supplies.
On May 3, the Air Force JR ROTC held its 26th annual awards ceremony and military ball. Sebring Elks Lodge members George and Darlene Quel and Jim and Ronna Mason were in attendance along with retired Senior Chief Petty Officer Doug Deierlein who was the guest speaker. Sebring Lodge sponsored a golf tournament Feb. 23 and raised $5,384. These monies were given to Sebring High School for the JR ROTC program in February but the formal presentation was made at the awards ceremony. Pictured is Camila Norona, Cadet Commander, and Sebring Elks Jim Mason and George Quel.
Plant City Elks Lodge #1727 used their Elks National Foundation Gratitude Grant to pay off the lunch debts of students in 19 schools in East Hillsborough County. A child's report card or diploma can be held until those debts are paid. The unpaid lunch debt is not part of the free or reduced lunches. These debts are from lower middle-class families that are struggling.
Plant City Lodge member Shelly Lynch Carroll presents 19 checks to Hillsborough County Area Superintendent of Schools, Sharon Morrison, to pay off student lunch debts.