South Southwest District

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Written by Christine Horn

Using an Elks National Foundation grant, Rotonda Elks Lodge #2710 sponsored its first children's shop-with-firefighters/first responders event. A group of children from kindergarten through seventh grade gathered at Walmart to shop for Father’s Day with members from the lodge and firefighters and first responders from the Englewood Area Fire Control District Station 71. They helped the children select gifts for their fathers.

The firefighters took time to explain fire safety in the home, safety in the pool, helped children consider a fire plan in the event of a house fire and demonstrated how they put on their gear. Two hook and ladder trucks were available for the children to walk through. The kids were thrilled and had many questions.

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Written by Richard Kampf

Cape Coral Elks Lodge #2596 held a 5K run and open house June 2 which raised $2,000 for Florida Elks Children's Therapy Services. The open house also generated 31 new member applications. The donation was presented to Colleen Gallant, FECTS Director, by Patti and ER Richard Kampf at the national convention in San Antonio in July. Pictured at the 5K are therapist, Jeanne Martin; therapy patient, Alex Collazo; Alex’s mother, Elizabeth Pineda; trustee, Jim Fraser, and his wife, Kate, who were the 5K organizers; and Richard Kampf, Exalted Ruler.

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Written by Judy Hopkins

Greater Pine Island Elks Lodge #2781 used its Elks National Foundation Gratitude Grant of $2,000 to support the Beacon Bites program. In November 2016, the Beacon of Hope created a program, Beacon Bites, to deliver freshly made lunches to low-income and disabled seniors on Pine Island. Island Café is preparing the meals for this program and community volunteers deliver the meals and check on the seniors during the week. Frozen meals are delivered on Saturday for the weekend meals.

“The Elks National Foundation through its Gratitude Grant is providing us with the opportunity to give back to our community,” says Exalted Ruler, Judy Hopkins. “It is our way of helping to build a stronger community. By partnering with the Beacon of Hope we can provide additional meals to those in need on the island. We want  to serve our community in ways that will raise the lodge's profile, energize our membership, encourage former members to return to the fold and gain the notice of people who want to be part of an organization that is doing big things.”

Pictured are Greater Pine Island Elks Lodge representative, Lee Wilbur, and members George Yorkston, Gerry Goyette, Ed Pfister and Frank Virts presenting a check to Beacon representative Peggy Hoffrogge for $2,000.

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Written by Patricia Nakos

Naples Elks Lodge #2010 presented a check for $1,350 to PAWS Assistance Dogs of Naples using the Elks National Foundation Anniversary Grant. PAWS provides dogs to veterans and disabled children. The PAWS volunteers attended a luncheon at the lodge in their honor. After a brief presentation of the services they provide, two service dogs in training and their trainers gave a demonstration of their training. The Elks and guests who attended were so impressed that they made additional donations totaling over $675, providing PAWS with over $2,000 for their organization.

Pictured are Karen Rakow, PAWS trainer; Laura Barsamian, PAWS coordinator; Paul Nakos, lodge grant chairman; and Mike McCabe, PAWS trainer.