On Oct. 5, Lakeland Elks Lodge #1291 held its annual picnic at James A. Haley Veterans Hospital in Tampa. The event was chaired by members Char Fisher and Kristen Francks. Thirty-three members prepared and served meals to more than 600 patients and hospital staff members. The menu included hamburgers, cheeseburgers, hot dogs, potato salad, baked beans, potato chips, applesauce, cookies, soft drinks and bottled water. They delivered meals to patients’ rooms if they were unable to attend the cookout. Garry Malone, Lodge Secretary, provided the music. The food and supplies were purchased with the $1,000 Elks National Veterans Service Commission Freedom Grant and $4,375 from the lodge veterans fund.
Pictured are the member volunteers as well as chairs Kristen Francks and Char Fisher and Garry Malone with the music system.