For the last several years, Tampa Elks Lodge member Shelagh Gombarcik, PER has partnered with Pat Pastore, the Poppy Chair from American Legion Auxiliary Unit 139. The auxiliary provides perfume baskets to use in the fundraising. Anyone who donated to the Poppy Fund received their poppy as well as a raffle ticket for the perfume baskets. The drawing took place Veterans Day; Tracy Horrell, PER and House Committee member Kim Benzing won the baskets. This year, Gombarcik raised $735 for the American Legion Poppy Fund. By Legion rules, this fund is only for veterans, active-duty military members and their families.
Pictured are Jacquie LoCicero, Tampa Ladies of the Elks President; Shelagh Gombarcik, PER; Pat Pastore, Poppy Chair; and Dee Wilson, American Legion Unit 139 President.