Brandon Lodge has a long-standing partnership with James A. Haley Veterans’ Hospital. For many years, Brandon Elks have visited veterans for holidays, invited veterans to dinners and hosted veterans at picnics. On March 6, Robin Rutzke, Lodge Veterans Chair, invited Geoff Hopkins, M.Ed., Chief of Recreation Therapy at James A. Haley Veterans’ Hospital, to join the Southwest Central District’s Florida Elks during the visitation of State President, Rudy Masi Sr., and his wife, Dolly Masi, PER. Rutzke asked President Masi to present their contribution to Hopkins, made possible by Brandon Lodge’s Elks National Foundation Freedom Grant — $750 in Olive Garden gift cards and a check for $300. Olive Garden works with the veterans’ hospital to meet the veterans’ dietary restrictions. Hopkins said the $300 donation will be put to good use supporting their annual picnic for their long-term patients. This year, due to the pandemic, the picnic will be held at the hospital, but it is hoped that next year’s picnic can again be held and hosted by Brandon Lodge. Hopkins shared that he has fond memories of visiting the Elks lodge with his father when he was a child, so President Masi invited him to join and is sponsoring his membership with Zephyrhills Elks Lodge #2731. Several Brandon Lodge members will attend his installation.
Pictured are George Scribner, PDD; Sharon Hammersla, District Vice President; Rudy Masi Sr., State President; Dolly Masi, PER; and Geoff Hopkins.