South Southwest District

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Written by Rachael King

On Sept. 15, Greater Pine Island Lodge presented a $2,000 check from the Elks National Foundation Gratitude Grant to the Pine Island Leaders of Tomorrow (PILOT) so they could expand the number of students served and increase the number of days that the kids could attend the after-school program. PILOT is a free after-school enrichment program offered at Pine Island United Methodist Church. Its mission is to challenge the hearts and minds of Pine Island youth to encourage growth and excellence in vital areas such as critical thinking, responsibility, group dynamics and community involvement. Second through fifth grade students who attend Pine Island Elementary School are recommended by their teachers to take part in the program. Once students begin participating, the purpose is for them to remain in the program through high school graduation. Transportation and dinner are also provided at no cost to students.

Pictured are Judy Hopkins, PER; Karen Durand; Nicole and Paul Pichon, co-coordinators of PILOT; George Smith, PER; and Carol Jo Nelson, Drug Awareness Lodge Chair.

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Written by Naples Elks

Naples Lodge coordinated and distributed baked cookies and cakes to first responders from Greater Naples Fire District #21 Sept. 11. Some of these baked goods came from the kitchens of lodge members with love and care. Cookies and cakes were also delivered to six substations in the Greater Naples Collier County Sheriff offices in the central dispatch offices.

Pictured are members Julie DeHaan and Brian Kamp. Also pictured are members Rae Frey, Gerry Massey, Jean Hartman, Brian Kamp and Julie DeHaan with three firefighters.

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Written by Teresa Colburn-Bird

Punta Gorda Elks Lodge #2606 held its annual kids’ fishing tournament June 11 on the fishing pier at the lodge. More than 75 children and their parents attended the event, which was open to the public. Trophies were awarded for the categories of smallest fish, largest fish, ugliest fish and most fish caught. Each child was given a rod, reel and backpack to keep, which were purchased from monetary donations received from Creative Carbide Inc., Aladdin Air, Integrity Employee Leasing, the Punta Gorda Elkettes and some lodge members. Other donations were received as well, including ball caps, aprons for volunteers, backpacks, trophies and booklets from the Punta Gorda Elkettes, Lowe’s Home Improvement, Athleta, Gulf Coast Engraving and the Charlotte County Sheriff’s Department. Forty lodge volunteers were on hand to cut bait, untangle lines and release fish. Afterward, everyone was served lunch provided by the lodge.

Pictured are fishing rods lined up for the participants and the participants walking out on the pier to find their special spot. Also pictured is Tom Shoecraft Sr., Exalted Ruler, presenting a trophy to Cohen Shoecraft, winner of the largest fish caught in the ages 6-10 category. In the background on the microphone is Michelle Staples, lodge member and the lodge corporation manager, and Linda Troemel, lodge member, cabin manager and assistant to the lodge corporation manager.

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Written by Teresa Colburn-Bird

Punta Gorda Elks Lodge #2606 hosted another blood drive with One Blood July 14, organized by Ambrose Yelovich, PER, blood drive chair. This event had 22 donors, all lodge members. One pint saves three lives, so this day equated to 66 lives saved.

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Written by Cathy Redman

Rotonda Elks Lodge #2710 paid for 19 children to attend the Florida Elks Youth Camp in Umatilla, Florida. Each camper’s fee was $220, and the lodge also paid for a T-shirt for each camper as well as a charter bus to transport them there. A grateful parent and volunteer nurse, Rebecca White, administered flu tests for the campers. Other helpful Elks were Kathy Dardis, Tami Watson and Geraldine Chesney.

Pictured July 17 before departing the lodge for the camp are the campers and lodge members who were chaperones on the bus — Nina Bentley; Cathy Redman, camp chairperson; Lee Hall; and Paul Bernhardt. Also pictured are parents saying goodbye to their children before they leave for camp.