Southwest District

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Written by Manasota Elks

On Oct. 10, members of the Southwest District and Elroy the Elk attended a Manatee County school board meeting to kick of Red Ribbon Week/Month. School board member Mary Foreman read their Red Ribbon proclamation, which was presented to PDD Jack Cantwell of Bradenton Lodge #1511. He thanked the board for their continued support of the program. During Red Ribbon Week, Oct. 23-31, Manatee County teachers and district staff wore red ribbons donated by the Florida State Elks Association and the schools had numerous activities to promote this year’s theme, “Be Kind to Your Mind – Live Drug Free.” Manasota Lodge #2734 was also recognized for their continued partnership with the Manatee County School District throughout the year.

Pictured are Elroy the Elk (Dawn Gilchrist, Lakewood Ranch- Sarasota #2855); Diane Davis, trustee, Manasota #2734; Jack Cantwell, PDD, Bradenton #1511; and Deborah Perry-Gambino, School District of Manatee County community engagement specialist.

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Written by JoAnn Reddy

On Nov. 4, an appreciation lunch was held (this year at Bradenton Lodge) for the Bradenton and Lakewood Ranch-Sarasota Lodge volunteers who help to buy, pack and deliver food to area schools for the Elks Feeding Empty Little Tummies program.

Members are pictured from both lodges, who partner to feed more than 600 children each weekend during the school year.

Bradenton Lodge also donated $1,500 to EFELT. Pictured are Danny Tabor, Bradenton #1511; Andrea Hitcho, EFELT CEO, Lakewood Ranch-Sarasota #2855; and Paul Hollingsworth, Bradenton #1511.

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Written by Dee Pico-Keim

Sarasota South Elks Lodge #2495 invited students from Saint Mary Academy to the lodge Oct. 19 for a Red Ribbon Day picnic at the lodge’s outdoor Tiki area. Dee Pico-Keim, Lodge Drug Awareness Education Chair, gave a presentation about the origins of Red Ribbon Week and the dangers of illegal drugs and the abuse of prescription pills. They all played Red Ribbon bingo, which was also used as an educational resource. They then made posters using this year's theme and the Drug Awareness Education Committee judged the posters and gave out six prizes. Lunch consisted of burgers, hot dogs, chips and a beverage. They all received goody bags filled with sunglasses, frisbees, bracelets and more. The students took the pledge to be drug-free and were presented with certificates.

Pictured are the sixth, seventh and eighth graders holding their certificates, teachers and Drug Awareness Education Committee members.

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Written by South Hillsborough Elks

On Sept. 11, South Hillsborough Elks Lodge #2672 donated $6,500 from its Elks National Foundation Beacon Grant to the United Methodist Church in Sun City, Florida, to help defray the cost of feeding underserved children. The church feeds between 70 and 75 children weekly and meals are provided to take home to their families.

Pictured are Pastor Richard Hasley; Grace Bibisi, PER, trustee; Rachel Ravencraft, Lecturing Knight and lodge grant coordinator; Bill Turner, director of youth ministry; Sugar Conrad, Exalted Ruler; and Ray Bibisi, PDD, Lodge Advisor.

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Written by Cindy Vaillancourt

On Aug. 2, Sarasota South Elks Lodge #2495 used its Elks National Foundation Beacon Grant and prepared and delivered 96 backpacks filled with school supplies to Tatum Ridge Elementary in Sarasota, Florida.

Pictured are lodge member Lisa Frick; Barry Dunn, principal; and Su Harley, Exalted Ruler.

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Written by JoAnn Reddy

Lakewood Ranch-Sarasota Elks Lodge #2855 is again buying and stocking food to feed children on weekends during the school year through the Elks Feeding Empty Little Tummies program. The lodge will be using its $2,500 Elks National Foundation Gratitude Grant and $4,000 Elks National Foundation Beacon Grant throughout the school year for EFELT.

Pictured are lodge members Clay and Toni stocking the pantry.