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Written by Deborah Reedy, PER

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On Feb. 27, Jacksonville Elks helped with a fundraiser for Alden Road Exceptional Student Center. They prepared pasta and meat sauce at the lodge and then transported it and served it to 134 guests at the ARESC annual fundraiser. The food for the event was donated by the lodge and members.

Members pictured cooking are Patrick Phelan, Brent Reedy, Beth Clark, Ricky Clark, Kelly Paulson, John Herrera and Pam Haley. Not pictured are members Donnie Rowand and Rod Kelley, who browned the meat earlier in the day. Also pictured are the members getting ready to serve, including member Deborah Reedy, PER, second from right.

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Written by Cristin Rumler

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Donald Soderblom, Sanford Elks Lodge Veterans Chair and the Elks National Veterans Service Commission Representative for Orlando VA Medical Center, of which Lake Nona Domiciliary and Lake Baldwin Domiciliary are part of, helped make the following two events possible. The domiciliaries are very strict with any interaction with the veterans, but with Soderblom’s contacts and because he is vetted through the VA, the VA allowed the veterans to take part in the lunch and the tour.

Mission BBQ Oviedo provided lunch to 60 veterans and 10 staff members at Lake Nona Domiciliary Jan. 5. Jason Poloski, operating partner of the Oviedo location, is the son of Sanford Elks life member Stan Poloski, and he partnered with Soderblom to make this possible. This was for Mission BBQ’s annual day of service, which is held the first Monday of January. All locations serve meals to local veterans who are homeless and other community heroes. Pictured are Jason Poloski at the truck and Mission BBQ Oviedo staff members set up to serve veterans.

On Jan. 8, eight veterans from the Lake Nona and Lake Baldwin Domiciliary programs had the opportunity to tour Hunter Industries’ agricultural irrigation manufacturing facility in Clermont. This unique experience was made possible through the collaboration of Donald Soderblom and Sanford Elks member John Hemphill, then field service manager for northern Florida and now recently retired. The tour included an overview of Hunter Industries and the facility’s history, along with up-close views of the injection molding process, quality control, packaging and shipping operations. The visit concluded with lunch provided by Hunter Industries. During the tour, several employment opportunities were discussed, resulting in three veterans submitting applications. Overall, the tour was a great success and highlighted the importance and impact of community partnerships. Pictured are veterans and VA staff members with Donald Soderblom outside the Hunter factory, John Hemphill presenting to the veterans, and veterans touring the facility’s various stations.

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Written by Susan Janes

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On March 1, Cocoa Beach Elks held a card party to benefit the Harry-Ana Trust Fund. Members attended the lodge class, taught by member Ann Ault, to learn how to make homemade greeting cards. The event raised $100, as each person paid $20 to attend.

Pictured are Ann Ault, Lola Knobbe, Lou Ann Janes, Michele McBride, Analinda Baldwin and Susan Janes.

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Written by Deborah Reedy, PER

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On Jan. 20, Jacksonville Elks volunteered at Alden Road Exceptional Student Center to celebrate Literacy Week and participate in the ribbon-cutting ceremony of their new library. Pam Haley, Activities Chair, arranged this volunteer opportunity. Members read to the students, played library decimal bingo other literacy games, and made popcorn for the students to snack on while they listened to books read to them.

Pictured are Carla Rhymes, Jack Paulisczak, Pam Haley, Anne Paulisczak and PER Deborah Reedy, Elks volunteers at Alden Road Exceptional Student Center.

Also pictured are Pam Haley and Carla Rhymes with bingo cards and Deborah Reedy, PER making popcorn.

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Written by Lakeland Elks

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On Jan. 30, Lakeland Elks Lodge #1291 held a fundraiser for the Lakeland SPCA. The cash donations totaled $6,044. Members also donated 838 pounds of dog food and 319 pounds of cat food. Pictured are members and event organizers, Ann Marie Wendel; Sandy Fuschetti; Michelle Schlaack; Jo Hendon; and Greg Hendon, Exalted Ruler.

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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 Sarasota South Elks

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On Feb. 8, Sarasota South Elks and friends enjoyed a day at the Tiki area watching Super Bowl activities on the televisions. Tom Katlin from Detroit, Michigan, provided entertainment and guests enjoyed food from the Detroit Coney Island food truck. This event was opened to the public, so new friendships were developed and the lodge received four applications for membership.

Member Alice Neave and Paul Garcia, Exalted Ruler, are pictured in front of the food truck.

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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.