By Heidi Brenneisen
mail@floridanewsline.com

With the many business closures and loss of income experienced this past summer due to the coronavirus, Mandarin Chapter 1218 of the Women of the Moose decided to come together with the Mandarin 42 Moose Lodge and give back to a child of a member in the form of a college scholarship. The idea was formed in late June, the application developed, and then fundraising began with bake sales and announcements via social media. The early expectation was to surprise a student with a small scholarship opportunity to help in a time of need based on criteria established within the application. 

After just more than a month of fundraising, the Scholarship Decision Committee reviewed the applications and decided upon a winner. On Aug. 14, the Mandarin 42 Moose Lodge celebrated by presenting the check to a very deserving Naomi Nash, daughter of members Rusty and Lauren Nash. Naomi’s parents, stepparents, siblings and grandparents were there to celebrate the $2,500 scholarship she was awarded. Naomi plans to attend St. Leo University and major in IT Security after working on her own with Black Knight and saving towards her tuition, books and fees. In Naomi’s words, “This surprise is a massive help!” 

Given the success of this first College Scholarship Drive, the Mandarin Chapter 1218 of the Women of the Moose have decided to make this an annual event. The goal for next year’s scholarship award is set for $10,000 as multiple awards will be given to children of Moose Lodge 42 members in good standing. 

The Moose Fraternity is an international organization of men and women dedicated to caring for young and old, bringing communities closer together, and celebrating life. The Mandarin Chapter 42 has been an integral part of the Mandarin neighborhood since 1972 and continues to be a light for the community. Visit www.mooseintl.org/be-a-moose-2/ if you are interested in joining the Mandarin Moose Lodge and/or the Women of the Moose. 

Photo courtesy Heidi Brenneisen 

Mandarin Chapter 1218 of the Women of the Moose Senior Regent Terri Schurman presents a scholarship check to Naomi Nash. 

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