West Central District

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Written by Chris Hayes

On Sept. 22, Seminole Lodge Exalted Ruler, Chris Hayes, and the lodge invited the Seminole Chiefs under-12 football team and cheerleaders to the lodge for a special presentation of two checks totaling $750. An additional $100 from members was raised after an amazing performance of dance and cheers.

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Written by Chris Hayes

On Sept. 8, Seminole Elks Lodge #2519 hosted a spaghetti dinner for The Movement School, a nonprofit organization that provides physical and occupational therapy free of charge in the community. All food was donated by the lodge and more than 120 dinners were sold, raising $1,657 for the school. The lodge is excited about this new partnership to show that “Elks Care and Elks Share.”

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Written by New Port Richey Elks

On June 27, New Port Richey Elks Lodge member Lyn Dexter held a fundraiser at a meeting of the West Coast Claims Association which consists of independent insurance adjusters and raised $275 for Elks National Foundation. Pictured are Brenda Jones, secretary of the association; Lyn Dexter, president; Marilee Mills, PER who received the donation on behalf of the lodge; and Ramon Flores, vice president.

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Written by May Graci

On Sept. 24, St. Petersburg Lodge donated $1,000 to Azalea Youth Soccer. The home fields for the program are located at the Walter Fuller Soccer Complex in St. Petersburg, Fla. The lodge is a gold sponsor of the Azalea Youth Soccer League and the funds are used to sponsor three teams. Azalea Youth Soccer uses the funds for whichever teams don’t have sponsors for uniforms. The league’s recreational soccer program is for boys and girls of all skill levels ages 2-18. The soccer program is intended to teach the game of soccer while building players’ skills in an environment that encourages an understanding of sportsmanship and teamwork.

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Written by May Graci

On the third Monday of the month from April through September, St. Petersburg Lodge donated the use of its pool to Boy Scout Troop #334 and averaged 30-36 participants. On the third Tuesday of the month from April through September, Boy Scout Troop #305 used the pool and averaged 13-15 participants. Both troops not only held their meetings pool side but also swam in order to earn their swim merit badges. The goal is to teach scouts to swim with greater ease and efficiency as well as to keep them safe in and around the water. To earn the Eagle Scout award, a scout must earn a swimming, cycling or hiking merit badge.

St. Petersburg Lodge also donated the use of their pool on alternating Thursdays from April through September to St. Petersburg’s Police Athletic League (PAL) youth programs on a monthly basis. An average of 25-27 at-risk youth had a kids day at the pool during each visit. St. Petersburg’s PAL mission is crime prevention through athletics. PAL serves youth ages 5-18 through various programs and creates a safe space for youth to develop healthy lifestyles, foster good relationships with law enforcement and prevent crime.

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Written by May Graci

On May 14, St. Petersburg Elks Lodge #1224 awarded two $1,500 scholarships to Tyre Hill who will be attending UCF and Julia Finster who will be attending Notre Dame. Each student made remarks during the lodge presentation evening. Pictured with Tyre and Julia is PER Cathy Shriver.