Our Military & Veterans

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Written by South Southwest District Lodges

All 10 lodges of the South Southwest District participated in the Florida Elks’ Army of Hope picnic and silent auction fundraiser Feb. 26, which had approximately 100 attendees. The Florida Elks’ Army of Hope provides vital assistance to the families of deployed and injured U.S. service members. Bonita Springs-Estero Lodge #2753 donated their lodge building for this event. The district raised a total of $33,141.59, with Naples Lodge #2010 donating $10,000 from its charity fund and Punta Gorda Lodge #2606 donating $2,500. Punta Gorda members also provided food for the picnic and assembled six silent auction baskets, and eight members served food throughout the event.

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Written by Punta Gorda Elks

Punta Gorda Lodge members hosted a songfest Feb. 27 for 36 residents at the Douglas T. Jacobson State Veterans Nursing Home. The karaoke-style event, led by PER Bill Jameson and five members, brought smiles, laughter and fond memories to everyone in attendance. Residents swayed, clapped and sang along to beloved classics. One resident, delighting in the familiar tunes, realized it was his own daughter serenading him with song after song.

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Written by Cathy Walsh

Members of St. Augustine Elks Lodge #829 delivered 14 Welcome Home Kits for veterans Feb. 11 to Veterans Village. This facility used to be the Old Town Motel on Anastasia Island in St. Augustine. It has 22 units and serves as transitional or permanent housing, depending on each veteran’s needs. A lodge committee was formed to provide Welcome Home Kits. A basic kit was devised and wish lists were provided to personalize the kits.

Pictured are Brian Welliver, Exalted Ruler; Cathy Walsh, charity chair; Janet Barrett, Loyal Knight; Mary Cooke, Home Again St. Johns coordinator; Dale Bowers; Kevin Walsh; and Sarah McLevy, lodge grant coordinator.

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Written by JoAnn Reddy

During the 2024-2025 Elk year, the Lakewood Ranch-Sarasota Elks Lodge Veterans Committee served four luncheons, serving 80 veterans at Veterans Village in Bradenton. They also supplied a new laptop, refrigerator, furniture, and multiple supplies such as sheets, pillows, comforters, blankets, bed frames, and cleaning supplies for veterans transitioning into permanent housing. Funds were used from a $10,000 Focus Grant and a $1,000 Freedom Grant, both from the Elks National Veterans Service Commission. Tom Sweeney, Lodge Veterans Chair, maintains constant communication with the administrators to see what is most needed for veterans transitioning to permanent housing.

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Written by Linda Califf

Between Dec. 23 and Jan. 5, Gainesville Elks Lodge #990 member Linda Califf and Jerry Blanton, a volunteer Army veteran, delivered Welcome Home Kits to seven veterans using the Elks National Veterans Service Commission kit reimbursement program. More than 70 veterans have been served since April 2024. The lodge submits reimbursement requests almost weekly to the ENVSC. It is an ongoing project that the lodge is very proud to be involved with and the veterans served are so grateful. The lodge works with the local HUDVash VA organization and the Honor Center to receive referrals of unhoused veterans moving into independent living.

Pictured are veteran Scott Starling in his home receiving his items and Navy veteran Cory Matchett with his items.

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Written by Lakeland Elks

On Jan. 25, Lakeland Elks Lodge #1291 hosted the second round of the fifth annual Elks Olympics between the Lakeland, Plant City and Brandon lodges. Members from each lodge competed in a dart tournament, horseshoe tournament, chicken wing cook-off and a best brownie competition. The 50/50 raised $115 for veterans.

Pictured playing darts is John Hedrick, Lakeland Treasurer. A member from Brandon Lodge is pictured playing horseshoes.