I would like to introduce myself to the Florida Elks community. I am Laura Sardella, and I am a member of Merritt Island Elks Lodge #2650 and the Ladies of the Island Elks in the East Central District. I grew up in Demarest, New Jersey. I currently work supporting the U.S. Space Force at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. My motto for this year is Launching Children’s Futures.

This year, we are launching a new program to support the Florida Elks Youth Camp and the Extended Camp Leadership Program. Please visit the “It’s All About FLOE” section on the Florida State Elks Association website (floridaelks.org) or our new Florida Ladies of Elks Facebook group for more information. This year we will also be continuing our Angel Reverse Draw to support Florida Elks Children’s Therapy Services.

I really believe it is important, as this year progresses, to support your Ladies organizations. Ladies organizations strengthen our lodges and all our donations to the Harry-Anna Trust Fund and the Elks National Foundation help the lodges’ per capita. Promote the Ladies events and help them be successful.

Involvement in my local Ladies organization allowed me the opportunity to be active in my lodge while still having the time to shuttle my children to all of their after-school activities. Involvement in my Ladies organization provided me the gateway to become involved with the Florida Ladies of Elks (FLOE). FLOE has allowed me the opportunity to meet some of my closest friends. During the year, we have supported each other and even attend each other’s Ladies events. Through involvement in FLOE, I can always walk into a Florida Elks statewide meeting or a national convention and find a familiar and friendly face. 

FLOE is open to all women of the Elks (female Elks and spouses or widows of Elks). I encourage all ladies to attend the midyear Ladies craft event and the FLOE meeting. I know taking that first step and attending my first meeting is one of the best things I have ever done. I have made wonderful friendships and now know people from across the state. You never know until you try!

Laura