LOTE strut their stuff for charity
From little black dresses to the latest in swimwear, the Ladies of the Elks took to the cat walk to raise money for island charities.
During its annual Fling Into Spring fashion show and luncheon, LOTE volunteers welcomed members and non-members to its last event of the season and the response was a full house.
Fashions for this year’s show were provided by the Belk store in Cape Coral and the models were coordinated by LOTE member Sue Trimble.
“I have been organizing the fashion show for the Ladies of the Elks for several years, and I am always amazed at how well they are received,” Trimble said. “Belk is so kind to provided the beautiful fashions and the girls do such a wonderful job of showing them off. We always have such a great time putting the show together and are particularly pleased to raise money for our community while having a good time.”
The models for the 2011 Fling Into Spring were Beverly Rosswog, Edna Waygross, Marilyn Muller, Cindy Cox, Linda Schultz, Marilyn Martin, Lucy Ferguson and Lynn Fettig.
During the winter season, the Ladies of the Elks host numerous events that are well attended which enables the group to provide assistance to numerous island organizations and charities.
“I don’t think most people realize how much we give back to the Pine Island community. Every season we put on several fund raisers that take a great deal of work and dedication by our members and everything we earn from the events goes right back into the community,” said LOTE member Ann Thomas. “We are very pleased to be able to provide a fun afternoon event and, in turn, help others with the money we raise.”
Of the organizations benefitting from the LOTE fund raisers are the Beacon of HOPE, the Pine Island Food Pantry and Pine Island Elementary School.
“Each year we help out the students at Pine island Elementary school by providing new shoes to those who need them,” Thomas said. “We also sponsor children to attend the Elks summer camp each year as well as sponsoring field trips for the island children who attend day camp at the Matlacha Park. These are only a few of the ways our money is spent and our volunteers deserve a great deal of recognition for all that they do for Pine Island.”
In addition to the fashion show and luncheon, among the activities provided by the Ladies of the Elks this season were two special performances by professional actresses. During the month of March, attendees to a LOTE fund raiser were introduced to Lilly Grace portrayed by Denyea Clarkson. Her one-woman show is titled “Sayin It Like It Is” and she brings with her more than 30 years of experience in the theatrical world.
Another well-attended performance this year was a High Tea with Abigail Adams, the wife of the nation’s second president and mother to John Quincy Adams. Award winning actress, Jeanina Birtolo, dons full period costume and takes attendees back into history with her portrayals of noted women like aviator, Amelia Earhart and Marjorie Stoneman Douglas who was known at the voice of the Everglades. Fund raisers sponsored by LOTE are open to the public and are held at the Elks Lodge located at the island center.
Membership to the Ladies of the Elks is open to all women. The group meets on the second Monday each month at 10 a.m. and is dedicated to supporting island charities and children in particular. The next meeting will take place on April 11 and everyone is welcome to attend. At this meeting the new LOTE officers will be installed and discussion will take place with regard to the distribution of funds. For more information, call LOTE member Camille Coulborn at 282-0610.