On June 13, Brandon Elks Lodge #2383 hosted the Tampa Bay Chapter of American Gold Star Mothers Inc. in the lodge hall for a chapter meeting and to pack 100 snack bags for Gold Star mothers attending the organization’s 98th national convention June 18-21 in Tampa. Robin Rutzke, Exalted Ruler, purchased and donated $355 in snack items to fill the bags, giving attendees snacks to enjoy throughout the convention weekend. The lodge also donated $1,000 to provide refreshments and food for attendees arriving June 19 and for the reception following the evening memorial service honoring Gold Star mothers and family members lost during the past year.
Pictured are Jeanette Nazario, Tampa Bay chapter president and second vice president of Department of Florida-PR American Gold Star Mothers Inc., and Michelle Lowenthal, chaplain of Tampa Bay chapter of American Gold Star Mothers Inc. Also pictured are Gold Star members filling snack bags.