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Written by Viera Elks

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On Feb. 22, Viera Elks Lodge #2817 participated in a fundraiser for Family Promise of Brevard, an organization that helps families with children that are experiencing homelessness. The event raised more than $30,000. Using funds from the Elks National Foundation Gratitude Grant, the lodge donated an extreme charcuterie board that helped feed 250 ticket holders for the event and presented a $1,500 check.

Pictured are William Orblych, PER; Mark Harrell, incoming Exalted Ruler; Kasha Harrell, trustee and House Chair; and Wendy Carns, PER, District Deputy.

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Written by Carmen Rivera

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Orlando Elks Lodge #1079 made a heartfelt impact Jan. 5 by hosting two events for the Down Syndrome Association of Central Florida community — a baby shower followed by the Three Kings event. Funded by the Elks National Foundation Spotlight Grant, this initiative brought vital resources and unforgettable moments of celebration to families raising children with Down syndrome. The baby shower was for families with infants who have Down syndrome, as well as expectant parents in the DSACF. The lodge provided essential items such as diapers, baby wipes, ointments and nutritious food pouches, supplies that are especially critical for families facing the unique challenges of extended diaper use due to developmental delays.

A highlight of the day was the presentation by author Wanda Reyes, who read her heartwarming children’s book, “Valentino's Purpose.” This story follows the journey of Valentino, a service dog with a flair for fashion, and teaches young readers about diversity, self-expression and acceptance. The tale encourages children to embrace their uniqueness and celebrate differences. Parents and children were captivated by the uplifting message, which fosters a sense of inclusion and inspires confidence in being true to oneself. The lodge also made a $1,000 donation to DSACF, which will support families of newborns with Down syndrome by providing resources and educational tools to parents. The donation will also contribute to literacy initiatives, helping families and children build foundational skills for reading and early education.

Later in the day, the lodge welcomed 75 families with children of all ages from DSACF to the Three Kings event. The name comes from Three Kings' Day (Día de los Reyes), which is widely celebrated in many cultures as a time of giving and community. Guests were treated to lunch, games, storytelling and gifts. Lodge members distributed books, activity supplies and other essentials, creating an atmosphere of joy and community while helping to ease the financial and emotional burdens these families often encounter. “This event was not just about giving items — it was about sharing moments of connection and bringing smiles to the faces of children and their families,” shared Carmen Rivera, lodge trustee. “Seeing the joy on everyone’s faces reminded us why the Elks are committed to supporting our community.”

Pictured:

Santa (Jose Rodriguez); Mrs. Claus (Jossie Havens); Carmen Rivera, lodge chair; Marniebel Castro, Down Syndrome Association of Central Florida program development manager; Victor Berrios, Exalted Ruler; and Roxy Santiago, trustee
Elk Edwin Alvarado and event guests Saris Cruz and JP Rodriguez
Gifts are displayed for attendees
Author Wanda Reyes addresses those in attendance
Gifts at the baby shower next to a lit Christmas tree
Barbara Meeker and Roxy Santiago, trustee, at the book table
Author Wanda Reyes behind her table display
Wanda Reyes, Valentino Dog poster and Samantha Stuart
Jossie Haven, trustee, and Tanya Ramos, volunteer, behind the food table
Commissioner Patty Sheehan, lodge member, was the guest speaker and stayed to help distribute books.
Three kings: Gonzalo Quezada, Eduardo Rivera and David Stuart

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Written by Susan Janes

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The Space Coast Human Resources Association of Florida Board of Directors asked to partner with Cocoa Beach Elks Lodge #2387 in supporting veterans in Brevard County. Board member Jennifer Dickson is the daughter of member Jim Dickson, which is how she knew about the veterans programs at the lodge. The Space Coast Human Resources Association serves the human resources professionals in the central and northern portions of Brevard County. They strive to provide its members with educational programs at the monthly professional development meetings. The programs include nationally recognized speakers on topics of practical importance to the members. The monthly professional development meetings also provide an opportunity for members to network and share information and resources. In addition, the chapter consistently provides its members with valuable information through its interactive website, where members and potential members can find chapter information and links to other human resources-related websites. Throughout its history, the chapter has supported many local charities. In 2025, they are focusing on veterans. They have already donated more than 30 backpacks stuffed with full-size hygiene items for veterans who are homeless or at-risk. The lodge distributed them to three of its partner agencies — VA, HFH and VOA — so they can be directly donated to veterans with the most need. The Board of Directors has offered to assist any veteran with resume building, practice interviews and job hunting skills. They also adopted two of the lodge’s low-income veteran families for Christmas, purchasing numerous gifts as well as gift cards for the parents.

Pictured with backpacks are Jacklin Fisher, workforce readiness director; Suzanne Witenhafer, immediate past president; Mary Ladwig, Lodge Veterans Chair; Linda Radencic, sponsorship director; Jennifer Dickson, secretary; and James Crook, president.

Pictured with gifts are Mcshell Alvarez-Rivon, membership director; Jim Dickson, lodge member; Jennifer Dickson, secretary; James Crook, president; Jeanne Dickson, lodge member; and Mary Ladwig, Lodge Veterans Chair.

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Written by Taz WrightReynolds, PER

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On Jan. 20, Fort Walton Elks Lodge #1795 supported the Wreaths Across America program at Beal Memorial Cemetery in Fort Walton Beach with a $3,000 donation. The remembrance wreaths are placed on veterans’ graves. According to U.S. Army First Sergeant (Ret.) Tom Rice, this donation covers 75% of the 2025 goal for the cost of wreaths.

Pictured are Rob Parks, Exalted Ruler; Jamie Clemons, Secretary; Susan Henry, chaplain; Renea Black, Inner Guard; U.S. Army First Sergeant (Ret.) Tom Rice; Tom Knowles, PER; Tom McLaughlin, PER; Heath Hamilton, Tiler; and Linda Mayfield, PER, endorsed District Vice President.

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Written by Susan Janes

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Members of Cocoa Beach Elks Lodge #2387 started a hurricane relief drive in the community to assist those in North Carolina and Florida affected by the 2024 hurricanes. The members who started the project approached the lodge about become a staging and sorting center for the relief project. The community outpouring was overwhelming. The lodge was full of bins, clothes, food and other essential items. A team of members and community members sorted the items, which were sent to Boone, North Carolina, in two trips, and to Tarpon Springs Elks Lodge #1719.

Pictured are relief items at the lodge.

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Written by JoAnn Reddy

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On Dec. 15, Lakewood Ranch-Sarasota Elks Lodge #2855 sent five teams to 25 Walgreens stores in Manatee and Sarasota counties to pick up 7,500 donated toys for children for Christmas. There were a total of 24 Elk volunteers participating. All of the toys were brought into the dining room and separated by gender and age groups. The lodge shared the toys with Prodigal Daughters in Sarasota, a home for mothers recovering from abuse or addiction and their children are allowed to live with them for up to two years to assist them in regaining a regular life. The two women who came to the lodge from this organization to pick out gifts were hesitant to take much. They were encouraged to take what they would like and left with a van full of goodies and were thrilled. A teacher from a Sarasota school came to collect books, puzzles and crayons for backpacks she was stuffing. Other gifts went to a migrant village. Members from a Myakka church came with a truck and picked up the balance of the toys to distribute to church families in need.

Pictured are Connie Graber and Roe Hyer sorting the toys and making sure they were safe for the children. 

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Written by Naples Elks

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On Feb. 8, Naples Elks Lodge members set up a booth at the Marco Island Farmers Market to share information about the Elks Drug Awareness program and items such as water bottles, pamphlets and coasters. The booth was set up at 6:15 a.m. and lasted until 1 p.m. They talked with more than 110 residents and visitors on the island.

Pictured are Denise Holmes, Drug Awareness Chair, and Margaret Gray, PER.

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Written by Tracy Carroll, PER

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Jacksonville and Orange Park Elks lodges teamed up and collected toys for local kids donated by members through the Marines Toys for Tots program. Donations exceeded six overflowing boxes of new toys as well as eight new bicycles.

Pictured are members from both lodges with the gifts.