Open 7 days · 700 9th Street, Winter Garden · (407) 656-2165
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Lodge #2165 was chartered in 1960 when Winter Garden thrived as the heart of Orange County's citrus industry. For over 65 years we've stood at 700 Ninth Street — just blocks from the historic downtown, the West Orange Trail, and Lake Apopka.
We carry the distinction "Home of Southern Hospitality" on our national BPO Elks profile, reflecting our reputation for welcoming visiting Elks from across the country.
Just south of West Plant Street in the heart of Winter Garden — a short walk from the West Orange Trail, the Garden Theatre, and the Historic Downtown District.
Open seven days a week for members and their guests. Visiting Elks in good standing are always welcome — stop by, grab a seat at the bar.
Interested in joining? Ask any officer or reach out through our contact info. Membership in the BPO Elks is open to US citizens who believe in God, are 21 or older, and are sponsored by a current member.
Winter Garden is a city of nearly 47,000 people in western Orange County, about 14 miles west of downtown Orlando. First settled in the 1850s and incorporated in 1908, the city grew up around the citrus industry.
After back-to-back freezes devastated citrus in the 1980s, Winter Garden entered a quiet period. Beginning around 2000, a community-driven revitalization transformed the historic downtown into one of Central Florida's most charming destinations — brick-lined streets, the Garden Theatre, the West Orange Trail, and a year-round farmers market.
Lodge #2165 has been part of this community through every chapter of its story — from citrus boom to downtown renaissance.
🕙 10:00 AM · Lodge Parking Lot · All Makes Welcome
Annual motorcycle charity ride raising funds for veteran support programs. Our Riders raised $4,000 for Challenge 22 last year. Registration opens 9 AM. All riders welcome.
🕔 5:30 PM · Lodge Dining Room · Dine In or Carry Out
Classic fish fry with all the sides — coleslaw, hushpuppies, fries. Open to members and their guests. Kitchen closes 8:30 PM.
🕖 7:00 PM · Lodge Hall · Members Only
Regular business meeting of Lodge #2165. Review of committee reports, treasurer's report, old and new business. All members in good standing welcome.
🕕 6:00 PM · Lodge Hall · Cash Prizes
Monthly bingo night with cash prizes and great fellowship. Proceeds support lodge scholarship funds. Doors open 5:30 PM. Cards at the door.
Our Riders raised $4,000 for Challenge 22, an organization fighting veteran suicide. We run Welcome Home Kit deliveries for veterans transitioning to stable housing and VA supply drives throughout the year. Freedom Grants through the Elks National Veterans Service Commission fund these projects annually.
🇺🇸 "So long as there are veterans, the Elks will never forget them."We partnered with the Orange Observer's Reading Reindeer program — donating ~50 books and $400 for children ages 12–17. We sponsor local kids to attend Florida Elks Youth Camp in Umatilla and support Hoop Shoot, Drug Awareness, and Americanism Essay contests statewide.
🌳 Literacy, outdoor adventure, healthy competitionUsing our ENF Beacon Grant, we purchased clothing, tents, sleeping bags, and flashlights for Matthews Hope — a homeless ministry in West Orange County. We apply annually for Beacon, Gratitude, and Spotlight Grants to fund ongoing community relief projects.
💰 Funded through Elks National Foundation grantsWe support scholarship programs at state and national levels. Florida State Elks Association awards up to $5,000/year to graduating seniors and college students. Nationally, the ENF distributes $3M+ annually. Locally, our lodge raises funds through bingo nights, raffles, and member donations.
📚 Up to $5,000/year · High school through collegeOur members contribute to the Harry-Anna Trust Fund — the endowment financing Florida Elks' two flagship programs since 1951, named after Harry and Anna Miller who donated land to establish the original Florida Elks Hospital for Crippled Children. Income funds Children's Therapy Services and the Youth Camp.
🛡️ Restricted endowment · Only income used · Est. 1951Florida Elks Children's Therapy Services (FECTS) delivers free in-home physical and occupational therapy to children across all 67 Florida counties. Licensed therapists in mobile units reach families who can't access care. No government funding — supported entirely by the Harry-Anna Trust Fund and lodge donations.
🛡️ No cost to eligible families · All 67 Florida counties405 acres of rolling hills, forests, and lakes in Umatilla. Seven weeks of residential summer camp for Florida children ages 9–13. ACA accredited. 1:7 counselor ratio. Swimming, archery, boating, ropes courses, and a golf range. Electronics-free — building character, teamwork, and self-reliance. Many lodge-sponsored kids attend free.
🌳 405 acres · ACA Accredited · Opened 1991Since 1917 the Elks have been committed to America's veterans. In Florida: Army of Hope provides direct assistance with housing, auto repairs, and daily necessities. VAVS volunteers serve VA hospitals monthly. Freedom Grants fund lodges running veteran projects. Welcome Home Kit deliveries for transitioning veterans statewide.
🇺🇸 "So long as there are veterans, the Elks will never forget them."The FSEA maintains a standing Disaster Relief Program that activates on presidential or gubernatorial disaster declarations. A statewide committee coordinates with district committees to assess damage and distribute aid through Florida Elks Charities — to members and non-members alike. Funded by ongoing member contributions.
🚨 Activated on presidential or gubernatorial declarationsGrant history, ENF Hall of Fame, scholarship winners available to registered Elks members.