North Central District

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Written by Suzanne Cunningham

On Nov. 14, three Eustis Lodge Anna Miller Circle members and one lodge member met at the lodge to pack welcome kits for residents of The Haven of Lake and Sumter Counties, a shelter for rape and domestic assault survivors and their children. The welcome kits are one-quart bags containing soap, shampoo, a toothbrush, toothpaste, moisturizer, mouthwash and other travel-size items for adults. The children's welcome kits contain the same items as well as a small toy, lip balm and hand sanitizer. They packed 100 adult kits and 100 children’s kits. Also included were puzzles, toys, handmade blankets, birthday kits and 59 full-size toiletries. At the Haven's request, they also provided 14 sweatpants, 17 T-shirts, 12 pairs of flip-flops, nine sports bras, 20 pairs of underwear, one sweatshirt, six pairs of socks, 75 small soaps, 75 lotions, three cases of water, three cases of Gatorade and three boxes of crackers. All of the above items were given to the three nurses who care for rape survivors who must give up the clothes they are wearing during the exam. This donation was valued at $449.58. The total value of everything was $2,784.58.

Pictured are Ralph Cerney, lodge member; Mary Ann Cerney, chair of The Haven project; and Judy Eaton. Not pictured is Suzanne Cunningham.

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Written by Suzanne Cunningham

On Oct. 8, the Eustis Anna Miller Circle #1578 hosted its charity fashion show, featuring outfits from local boutique Fashion Labels. Each model showed three outfits. For lunch, each Anna Miller member was asked to bring their favorite salad. The event had 100 guests and eight models and helpers, with salads to spare! Proceeds of more than $1,300 will go to Florida Elks Children's Therapy Services, the Florida Elks Youth Camp and other charities that serve women and children in need. Elvis impersonator and Elk member Tom McCarroll made an appearance at the event as well.

Pictured are models Doris Stemmer, Sylvia Laramee, Anita Ring (guest from Summerset Assisted Living Center), Beverly Dufresne, Anna Boykin, Kathy Mitchell, Vicki Mercadante and Kristina Cline, along with Elvis (Tom McCarroll).

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Written by David Clayton

On July 26, using some of Ocala Lodge’s Elks National Foundation Beacon Grant funds, members went shopping for nonperishable food items to donate to Interfaith Emergency Services’ food pantry, located in Ocala, Florida. They spent $365 for 186 pounds of food items which were very much appreciated by Interfaith. Interfaith Emergency Services provides basic needs such as food, clothing, shelter, medications, hygiene items and much more to enhance the quality of life and ease the burden for those in financial distress. Their clients are those who are homeless, elderly, veterans, disabled, the working poor and underprivileged children.

Pictured are lodge members Pat Miller; David Clayton; Linda Moulton, George Griffin lll, PER; two gentlemen from Interfaith; and Mike Miller, PER.

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Written by South Lake Elks

On July 17, South Lake Elks Lodge #1848 donated $3,000 from its Elks National Foundation Gratitude Grant to The Central Florida Hope Center of Clermont to restock their local food pantry in Clermont, Florida.

Pictured are Russell Smith, PDD; Brenda Blevins, food pantry director; and Bea Meeks, Exalted Ruler.

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Written by David Clayton

On July 23, members of Ocala Elks Lodge #286 visited Stirrups and Strides Therapeutic Riding Center in Citra, Florida, and presented a $4,000 check to the riding center — half from the Elks National Foundation Beacon Grant and half from the matching funds from the Florida State Elks Association. Funds will be used to provide supplies the program needs to recover after being suspended due to COVID-19, specifically feed, hay and support for events. Additionally, members will volunteer at events and wear lodge shirts to represent the organization. Stirrups and Strides Therapeutic Riding Center is a nonprofit organization founded in 2007. Their certified riding instructors provide therapeutic horseback riding and carriage driving to anyone with physical, mental or emotional challenges. Their vision is to give the gift of educational, emotional and physical growth to these individuals through horsemanship and competition. The program supports activities with the Special Olympics, veterans’ programs and the Hillcrest Public School’s students with special needs.

Pictured are Gail McDaniels; Lois Leighton; Linda Butler Moulton; Betty Gray; Kathy, Betty Gray’s daughter; Bob Adler; Wayne Argo, Exalted Ruler; Gigi Argo; George Griffin; and Pat Patricia Miller. Not pictured is Mike Miller.