The Harry-Anna Fund is a State Elks program to benefit the children in the State of Florida (click here for more information). The Lodge donated over $8,000 in addition to the donations made by the individual members.
With the thought that “Charity begins at home”, the Elks are always working to make life better for our community, children, and veterans who have served so bravely for our country. Christmas food baskets for the needy and other community programs which include: Meals on Wheels, Support our Troops, and Kids Wish Network totaled over $11,500. Our non-cash and cash donations to the veterans service programs and Army of Hope was slightly over $15,000. In addition, we assist the Zephyrhills High School JROTC annually with a check for $1500.
 | One of the most fulfilling projects that we do every year is a Christmas party for our “Special” citizens. While some people refer to them as “Handicapped” we prefer to call them special. A meal prepared by our volunteers, a visit from Santa, and 2 hours of music brings great joy to these wonderful people. Another one of our favorite annual projects is the Christmas in July Party for the pediatric patients at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Tampa, where toys are distributed to the children along with a visit from Santa |
| On April 29, 2009 Exalted Ruler Alice Perry-Knapp and Esteemed Leading Knight, Mary Crosier presented Captain Ralph Velez with a check for $2000. The money was for supplies, equipment, community activities and training for the Zephyrhills Fire Cadets. |  |
 | On Friday May 22, 2009, Phil Dahlinger, Youth Activity Chairman, presented a scholarship to Pasco High School student, Ashley Gibson, at the school awards ceremony. That was the second scholarship presented by the Zephyrhills Elks Lodge that month. Earlier in May, Brandon Minton, Zephyrhills High School Senior, also received a $4000 award payable $1000 annually. Robert Hatfield, PER Chairman of the Scholarship Committee, announced that eight other local students who applied for scholarships but did not win one were awarded gift cards by the Lodge. |
We have also adopted the West Zephyrhills Elementary School this year. One of the programs that we are doing this year is providing the students with back to school supplies. To kick off the program, we will have a back to school night dinner on September 19, 2009, and ask everyone that comes to please bring a back to school item. A list of required items will be available at the Lodge. All proceeds from the dinner will go to buying supplies for the children. The Dictionary Project is a national project. Our Youth Activities Committee presented dictionaries to each of the 3rd graders at West Zephyrhills Elementary School this year. The Dictionary Project out of Charleston, South Carolina has been our source for the age-appropriate gifts that were distributed to each of the 155 students in October 2009. |  |
So, as you can see we have been busy here at BPOE 2731. But it’s not all work and no play. We have a beautiful Lodge here in Zephyrhills where we enjoy many functions, dinners, dances and music with our friends and neighbors, and are always looking for new members who would like to join us in our efforts to help our communities and have a lot of fun while we are doing it. If you are interested in becoming an Elk, click here for more information.