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Written by Rita Smith, PER

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On Jan. 16, Tampa Elks Phil and Stacy Farley, who host the YouTube show “Today is Someday,” spent five hours holding a meet and greet at the lodge. They advertised it on their show and attendees at the meet and greet were also attending the Florida RV show at the Florida Fairgrounds. At the $12 per person entrance fee and 100% of the proceeds going to the lodge to help with veterans and children's charities and however else the lodge decides to distribute the funds, a total of $3,588 was raised for the lodge. PER Tracy Horrell met them at an RV expo several years ago and sponsored them as Elks and when they are in Tampa they have tried to give back to the lodge. They are veterans and full-time RV'ers.

Pictured are Stacy Farley, PER Tracy Horrell and Phil Farley. 

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Written by Florida Keys Elks

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On Dec. 6, Florida Keys Elks Lodge hosted its annual children's holiday party at the lodge using funds from the Elks National Foundation Beacon Grant. The party hosted 150 local children, and each child received a gift from Santa. The party included lunch and a magic show by a professional magician.

Pictured are members Kayla Devroedt, Drema Rimmel, John Rimmel and Sheryl Spear.

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Written by Carmen Rivera

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On Jan. 4, Orlando Elks Lodge #1079 hosted a Three Kings celebration and community baby shower that brought together families, volunteers and community leaders in a joyful celebration, benefiting those supported by the Down Syndrome Association of Central Florida and residents of the Russell Home for Atypical Children. Rooted in tradition, service and inclusion, the day provided families with essential items and books and a dignified, welcoming experience. The day was funded with the Elks National Foundation Spotlight Grant. Members partnered with Publix Super Market to promote the effort, collect donated baby items, and share information about lodge programs. Volunteers purchased pajamas, socks and supplies with close attention to sizing and other needs of children and residents, including those in the Russell Home Critical Care Unit. Thoughtful budgeting and sale shopping allowed grant funds to reach as many families as possible, including siblings.

In preparation for the event, Elks dedicated many hours to wrapping gifts, assembling individualized gift bags and preparing book packages to support the project’s strong literacy focus. The lodge ballroom was transformed into an elegant and festive space with linens, centerpieces and a photo backdrop, while children’s activity areas were decorated to encourage engagement and storytelling for all abilities.

On the day of the celebration, volunteers assisted with registration, hospitality, activities, audiovisual support and organized gift distribution. Local author Wanda Reyes signed and presented autographed books to the children, and members ensured that gifts and books were delivered to those unable to attend so no one was left out.

Through responsible stewardship and cost-saving efforts, the lodge saved funds that allowed for donations of $500 to the Down Syndrome Association of Central Florida to support newly diagnosed families and $500 to the Russell Home to assist with the purchase of teen and adult diapers for residents in the Critical Care Unit. The event also strengthened community connections, with local officials in attendance and Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings personally expressing appreciation for the lodge’s service.

The emotional impact of the day was felt by families and volunteers alike. One volunteer serving as “Mrs. Santa” described the experience as deeply moving, recalling moments of hugs and hand-holding that captured the true spirit of Elk volunteerism. By the end of the event, the Lodge also received three new membership applications, reflecting the positive and lasting impression created through this meaningful project. Through compassion, literacy, and dedicated service, the Orlando Elks Lodge #1079 proudly fulfilled the mission of the Spotlight Grant and strengthened its commitment to the community it serves.

Pictured:

Bonnie Hoover of Russell Home accepts a check from members Roxy Santana, Catherine Hill, Carmen Rivera, Jenna Longo, Rick Hoover, Victor Berrios, Tony Schiappa and Joe Longo.

Oryza Quiles of DSACF accepts a check from members Catherine Hill, Carmen Rivera, Jenna Longo, Joe Longo, Victor Berrios and Tony Schiappa.

The three kings are represented by David Steward, lodge member whose daughter was a guest with DSACF; Eduardo Rivera, lodge volunteer; and Jose Gonzales, parent volunteer of a child with Down syndrome.

Pictured are Jenna Longo; Wanda Reyes, author; Samatha Stewart, daughter of a member and is associated with DSACF; and Joe Longo.

Pictured is the table setupl, with gifts in the background.

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Written by Mary Lou Scribner, PER

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Brandon Elks Lodge helped make the holidays merry for local children and families. Members adopted 33 children from 13 families for Christmas and provided presents for the children. Individual members chose a child to adopt and used the provided wish lists to shop for them. Members purchased the gifts and on Dec. 10, they gathered at the lodge to wrap the toys and clothes together. Each family also received a Christmas dinner, funded by the lodge. In addition, on Dec. 12, the lodge donated $1,000 each to Lopez Exceptional School and Limona Elementary School so that they could help some of the students’ families with Christmas.

Pictured are members at the lodge wrapping gifts and dinner baskets. Pictured at Lopez Exceptional School are Hiddie Meyer, PER Marionette Garvey, Principal Sarawanzi and Tammy Alleyn. Pictured at Limona Elementary School are PER Marionette Garvey, and Christopher Fisher, social worker.

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Written by Green Cove Springs Elks

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Throughout November, members and guests of Green Cove Springs Elks Lodge #1892 donated items selected from a lodge angel tree. Thanks to the coordinating efforts of House Committee secretary, Barbara Thompson, and Elk volunteer Sally Thorsen, more than 500 items were presented Dec. 12 to Mike Howle, community relations coordinator for Quigley House, a local women's crisis center and shelter.

Pictured are Mike Howle, Barbara Thompson and Sally Thorsen.

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Written by Taz WrightReynolds, PER

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On Dec. 6, the Northwest District held its annual district Hoop Shoot at the Boys and Girls Clubs of the Emerald Coast in Fort Walton Beach. The first place contestants will advance and participate in the regionals.

Pictured are Tammy Eddins, Lecturing Knight, Pensacola Beach Lodge; Tom McLaughlin, PER, Esquire, Fort Walton Lodge; Marcia WrightReynolds, Exalted Ruler, Fort Walton Lodge; Michael “Taz” WrightReynolds, PER, trustee and Hoop Shoot District Chair, Fort Walton; Matt Alt, member and athletic director at Gulf Breeze High School; and Marcus Broadnax, director of Boys and Girls Clubs of the Emerald Coast. Contestants pictured in the front are Janayr Ohmit, runner-up boys 10-11; Joey Clanton, first place boys 10-11; Toby Yelton, first place boys 12-13; Griffin Lynch, runner-up boys 12-13; and Poppy Ohmit, first place girls 8-9.

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Written by Carmen Rivera

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Orlando Elks Lodge #1079 held its annual Drug Awareness poster contest, continuing its commitment to educating youth about making healthy, drug-free choices through creativity and thoughtful expression. This year’s contest included students from Waterford Elementary School and Mills Creek Elementary School. Waterford Elementary, under the leadership of Principal Daniel Arbelaez-Willis, hosted its award ceremony Dec. 16 and Mills Creek Elementary, led by Principal Seth Daub, held its award ceremony Dec. 18. These were to recognize the students’ outstanding work.

The student posters reflected a powerful understanding of the long-term consequences of drug use, especially impressive given the participants’ young ages, ranging from 8 to 11 years old.

First-place winner, Celestia A. Lee, a fourth grade student from Waterford Elementary, created a striking image depicting a man who had fallen into drug use and found himself in a grave, symbolizing that it was too late to undo the damage. Above him, she illustrated what he dreamed his life could have been — a peaceful tropical vacation — representing the life lost to addiction. Her artwork conveyed how easily people can fall into drugs and how quickly poor choices can spiral out of control, wasting opportunities and dreams.

Second place winner, Angela Gonzalez, a fifth grade student from Mills Creek Elementary, shared that her poster was inspired by someone she knows who made poor choices in life. Her message focused on the importance of making the right decisions early and choosing a healthier, happier path instead. Her artwork encouraged peers to pause, think and select a future rooted in positive choices.

Third place winner, Xesus A. Lee, a third grade student from Waterford Elementary and Celestia’s younger brother, offered another thoughtful perspective. When asked about the character in his artwork, Xesus explained that although the figure appeared to be smiling, “he is really a bad man under the sticker.” When the image was revealed, the smiling figure transformed into a skeleton attempting to give drugs away, symbolizing deception and the hidden dangers behind addiction.

The Drug Awareness poster contest continues to be one of the lodge’s most meaningful youth programs, allowing students to express complex ideas through art while reinforcing prevention and education at an early age. The lodge extends sincere appreciation to the principals, teachers, families and students who participated and congratulates this year’s winners for their honesty, creativity and powerful messages. Through programs like this, the lodge remains committed to guiding young people toward safe, informed and drug-free lives.

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Written by Deborah Reedy, PER

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Throughout November and part of December, members of Jacksonville and Orange Park Elks lodges held toy drives for the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots. Three boxes of toys were collected as well as several bicycles.

Pictured is Brent Reedy, Jacksonville Lodge Exalted Ruler, dropping off toys.