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Written by Southwest District

On Jan. 28, the Southwest District hosted a blood drive at Bradenton Elks Lodge #1511 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in honor of Danny Tabor, PSP, State President and District Leader. Tabor is currently receiving platelets and blood at Moffit Cancer Center in Tampa, Florida. They partnered with LifeSouth Community Blood Centers, as they are a blood supplier to Moffitt Cancer Center. Their staff was great to work with to make this event happen and run smoothly. Donations received will go to Moffitt Cancer Center to replenish the blood products Tabor has and is receiving from Moffitt. Out of 46 donors, 43 had successful units (three were deferred due to iron or medications) consisting of platelets, eight double reds and 29 whole blood donors. All donors received a LifeSouth T-shirt and a snack and beverages. Donors were from Bradenton, Lakewood Ranch-Sarasota, Manasota, Palmetto, Sarasota South, South Hillsborough and Venice-Nokomis lodges as well as walk-ins.

Pictured are  Ashley Rieger, LifeSouth donor recruiter, and Diane Davis, Manasota Lodge trustee; Salina, LifeSouth registrar, and Dave Manning, PDD, Bradenton Lodge member; and Rita Bailey, Bradenton Lodge member, and Anastatia, LifeSouth phlebotomist.

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Written by Green Cove Springs Elks

On March 10, Green Cove Springs Lodge presented a $1,000 check to the Way Clinic of Green Cove Springs on behalf of the lodge's Past Exalted Ruler charity bingo. The clinic provides medical care to uninsured and underinsured residents of Clay County.

Pictured are Al Williams, Exalted Ruler; Andrea Crowder, clinic associate director; Farooq Essa, clinic operations manager; Nancy Valencia, clinic special programs manager; and Mary Boyle, RN.

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Written by Debbie Brozyna

On March 22, Ormond Beach Elks Lodge #2193, working in conjunction with its Veterans Committee, utilized an Elks National Foundation Gratitude Grant to provide clothing, bedding and personal hygiene products to veterans in residence at the Barracks of Hope in Daytona Beach, Florida. Barracks of Hope provides transitional housing for up to nine months to male and female veterans who have dealt with homelessness, addiction and mental health. Single occupancy rooms are provided, along with mental health counseling, case management and three meals per day.

Pictured in the front row are members Carl Muscatello, trustee; Tonia Klokow and Shelley Wood. In the second row are members Jay Cuddy; James Wood; Skip Richmond, Loyal Knight; and Jonathan Walker, organist.

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Written by Taz WrightReynolds, PER

On March 11, Fort Walton Lodge participated in the first Neighborhood Safety Day at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Fort Walton Beach, Florida. This was a free event for the whole community, and approximately 200 people attended. Various safety groups were represented. The Elks spoke to more than 100 parents, guardians and children about the Elks Drug Awareness program, the Florida Elks Youth Camp and Florida Elks Children’s Therapy Services. The Elks passed out drug awareness literature, red ribbons, balloons, and coloring books to help children learn about the dangers of drugs and the value of being wise and drug-free. The Okaloosa County Health Department fitted and gave out 64 bicycle helmets.

Pictured are Michael “Taz” WrightReynolds, PER, Exalted Ruler; Paul Eubanks, PER; and Kathy Pacheco, trustee. WrightReynolds is also pictured with “Sparky” the Fire Safety Dog.

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Written by Diane Politi

On Feb. 14, Orlando Lodge held a Valentine’s Day dinner, dance and fundraiser with One Heart for Women & Children, an organization located in Orlando, Florida, that offers a food pantry, thrift store, and outreach program for those experiencing homelessness. The event was planned and executed with the help of the Past Exalted Rulers and the Activities Committee. Diane Politi, event chair, worked with Stephanie Bowman, One Heart’s president and founder, and Barbara Kenney, a community leader and One Heart board member. One Heart donated nearly 40 items for the silent auction. AARP contributed long-stem roses for the ladies. Kathy Lewis, violinist, greeted guests with her beautiful violin music. Member Carl Motes photographed all who wanted pictures. The Past Exalted Rulers planned the meal; shopped for groceries; took a food handler’s class from Pom Moongauklang, Lecturing Knight and local restaurant owner; and cooked the meal. The event raised $5,200, which was split between the lodge account and One Heart for Women & Children. One Heart’s portion will benefit women and children in Central Florida who are homeless, providing food and shelter for them.

Pictured are Diane Politi, event chair, and Stephanie Bowman, president and founder of One Heart for Women & Children. Pictured in the kitchen are Past Exalted Rulers Roger Bristol, Mike McClay and Tony Schiappa.

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Written by Suzi Simonelli, PSP

Stuart-Jensen Lodge used its $1,000 Elks National Foundation Freedom Spark Grant to purchase much-needed small appliances for Emerald V, a privately owned home for veterans in Stuart near the lodge. The lodge supplemented the grant with $1,000 from its charity bingo, so they could purchase all the items needed, including small refrigerators, microwaves and a few electric skillets for veterans’ rooms.

Pictured at the appliance delivery Jan. 26 are Toni Sutherland, Emerald V manager; Alice Hurd, lodge Treasurer; Bob Alphonse, Exalted Ruler; Don Simpson Sr., Loyal Knight; and Ralph Newlon, Marine Corp League Detachment member. The Marine Corp League meets at the lodge at no charge and partners with the lodge on some projects.