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Eustis Elks Funds Area School Projects

    Eustis Elks Lodge #1578 has tapped into a national Elk grant program to raise funds for three area schools.  Just over $10,000 in funding is being distributed to Altoona School, Lake Hills School, and Eustis High School as a result of awards procured from the Elks National Foundation.
    “We find a project and apply,” said Karyl Loux, grant coordinator for the Eustis Elks on Thursday, as she and other volunteers gathered at Altoona School for a special program recognizing the $3,300 gift to the charter elementary’s computer lab. Loux oversees the local club’s ongoing efforts to mate local projects with funding opportunities within the expansive Elks organization.
    The Florida State Elks Association is headquartered west of Umatilla, on the same property that houses the Florida Elks Youth Camp, and the organization has a rich history of supporting the Lake County community.
    “It has helped us immensely,” said Dawn Cerney, Principal of Altoona School, while offering the visiting Elks a tour of the school’s computer lab.  The grant allowed for the school to purchase new computers for the lab, with all of the school’s students spending time in the center learning computer and typing skills.
    The Altoona award was recognized as a Gratitude Grant by the Elks.  A Spotlight Grant in the amount of $2,800 was gifted to Lake Hills School for specialized equipment to augment the school’s alternative education programs, and Eustis High School received a Beacon Grant in the amount of $4,000 to support its food pantry.  Finally, a $3,500 Freedom Grant award will allow the local Elks group to expand its support of a home for veterans in Fort McCoy.
    To learn more about the Eustis Elks, or to become a member, email bpoe1578@yahoo.com or call 352-343-5000.  The lodge is located at 2540 Dora Avenue in Tavares.