Awards & Recognition

Lodge #2165 proudly carries the nickname “Home of Southern Hospitality” — a distinction recognized on its official BPO Elks national profile. This moniker reflects the lodge’s long-standing reputation for welcoming visiting Elks, hosting community events, and fostering a warm, family-like atmosphere among its members.

Lodge #2165 was awarded an Elks National Foundation Beacon Grant and directed the funds toward Matthews Hope, a homeless ministry in West Orange County. The lodge purchased clothing, tents, sleeping bags, flashlights, and other essential supplies for individuals and families living without shelter. Beacon Grants are awarded to lodges that propose ongoing, Elks-led charitable projects in their communities.

Using its Elks National Foundation Gratitude Grant, Lodge #2165 donated laptop and headphone chargers to Dillard Street Elementary School in Winter Garden. Gratitude Grants are awarded to lodges that meet the Grand Exalted Ruler’s annual per-member giving goal to the ENF — a sign that the lodge’s membership is consistently invested in the Foundation’s mission.

The lodge’s Elks Riders chapter raised $4,000 through a charity motorcycle ride and presented the funds to Challenge 22, an organization whose mission is to end veteran suicide. The achievement was featured in the Florida State Elks Association newsletter and represents one of the larger single-event fundraising efforts among Florida Elks Riders chapters.

When several Lodge #2165 members noticed a deteriorating flagpole at Starke Lake Baptist Church in Ocoee, they pooled approximately $800 of their own money to purchase a new flagpole and light kit. Members Wally Hatch (PER), Ronnie Bradshaw, Byrd Severance (PER, District Vice President), Mark Wallick (PER), Scott Moore, and Rusty Johnson installed it early one morning without the pastor knowing. The story was featured in the Florida Elks newsletter, with the pastor expressing deep gratitude and regularly acknowledging the Elks to his congregation.

Lodge #2165 partnered with the Orange Observer newspaper’s Reading Reindeer literacy program, collecting approximately 50 new books for children ages 12–17 and contributing $400 in monetary donations from the lodge and Ladies Auxiliary. The partnership was recognized in the Florida Elks newsletter as a model of local media collaboration for youth literacy.

Lodge #2165 has qualified for Gratitude Grant eligibility, which requires meeting the Grand Exalted Ruler’s annual per-member giving goal to the Elks National Foundation. This is a meaningful benchmark that reflects sustained member engagement with the ENF’s charitable mission. The lodge’s Elks.org profile includes sections for ENF Hall of Fame members, ENF Chair Challenge participation, Scholarship Winners, and CIP Grant History — each indicating ongoing national recognition.

Lodge #2165 maintains outstanding public ratings across major platforms: 4.6 stars on Google (55 reviews), 5 stars on Yelp, 4.9 out of 5 on Restaurant Guru, and a 100% recommendation rate on Facebook with over 3,500 check-ins. Reviewers consistently praise the lodge’s welcoming atmosphere, friendly staff, quality food nights, and dedication to charitable work. The lodge has also received a Restaurant Guru recognition award based on review analysis and user engagement trends.

Lodge #2165 members have served in district-level leadership roles, including Past Exalted Rulers who have gone on to serve as District Vice Presidents. The lodge’s contributions are regularly featured in the Florida State Elks Association newsletter under the North Central District section, reflecting consistent visibility and engagement at the state level.