Members of Beta Theta, a women’s philanthropic organization that has been actively serving the South Lake community since 1979, recently came together in support of a meaningful cause by attending the Bras for a Cause event.

Beta Theta president Terry Moherek proudly presented a contribution to the Greater Clermont Cancer Foundation (GCCF), reinforcing their ongoing commitment to giving back and uplifting those in need. The annual Bras for a Cause event is a vibrant and inspiring fundraiser that raises awareness and critical funds to support local individuals and families impacted by cancer.

Beta Theta members embraced the spirit of the evening, joining community leaders, supporters, and advocates in a celebration of strength, creativity, and compassion. Their participation not only highlighted their dedication to philanthropy but also showcased the power of community collaboration in making a difference.

For close to five decades, Beta Theta has remained a cornerstone of service in South Lake, consistently stepping forward to support local initiatives and charitable organizations. Their contribution to GCCF is yet another example of their enduring mission to enrich lives and strengthen the community they proudly serve.

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The installation and business meeting took place at the home of Toni Bell. Rosetta Shobe and Diann Lovitte  provided a delicious array of edibles, and Rosetta  led the evening’s educational activity, “Holiday Napkin Folding,” which added a festive touch to the gathering.

The Clermont chapter continues to grow, and the sisters are enthusiastic about expanding their community involvement.

As part of their ongoing efforts, members will host a “Ways and Means” community fundraiser on Saturday, November 15, from 9 am to 12 pm at Toni Bell’s home, 1139 W. Lakeshore Drive, Clermont. The event—a Garage Sale Fundraiser—promises to be a fun and meaningful day for all.

Proceeds will support local 501(c)(3) organizations. Community members are encouraged to stop by, shop, and show their support for the women of Beta Theta-ESA as they continue to make a positive difference in South Lake County.

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The two-day event honored approximately 1,450 south Lake Elementary, middle and high school teachers at the Wesley Center of First United Methodist Church in downtown Clermont.

After rocking the room with whooping and hollering, the spirit awards were presented to the schools that made the most noise….Lake Minneola High, East Ridge Middle, and Minneola Charter Elementary. 

There were over $20,000 in cash awards and door prizes were given out each day.

Welcome back. Wishing you a great year.

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The Sisters of Beta Theta recently attended a ribbon-cutting to support the new working partnership of the FAITH Neighborhood Center (FNC) and Building Block Ministries to celebrate the coordinated effort. Individuals in Building Blocks Ministries’ Day Training Program Community Involvement Class will be managing the operations of the Diaper Bank housed at FNC.  Building Blocks Ministries established collection points throughput South Lake County to accept donations of diapers. Diapers will be distributed to local non-profit organizations in the community including Orlando Health South Lake Hospital, South Lake Pregnancy & Family Care Center. 

This school year, the sisters contributed to the “Back to School” Teachers Appreciation Event sponsored by the South Lake Chamber of Commerce, and also helped fill the Backpacks for Students Across South Lake.

“The sisters of Beta Theta consider “sisters helping sister” one of the most important things we do”, says member Michelle Delaney. “All of us have had our differences but share a strong bond. We are family and the community is our extended family”. 

Beta Theta’s Annual Mardi Gras Signature Fundraiser allows the sisterhood to provide local assistance to many. 

This year, the sisters of Beta Theta made the difficult decision, once again, to postpone their Mardi Gras fundraiser due to the continued rise in cases from the Covid Delta variant.  “These are uncertain times”, said Beta Theta President Sandie Stacy. “Our members do not want to jeopardize the health of our sponsors, contributors, supporters and guests”.   She adds, “Do not fear, the  Beta Theta Mardi Gras Celebration will return as soon as COVID is under control”.

COMING SOON: an outside innovative Beta Theta Mardi Gras Celebration COMING February 2022! 

We are hoping our sponsors and patrons and contributors will be as supportive as always. Information, tickets and sponsorship will be available soon. 

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Beta Theta was chartered in 1979, raising funds and providing service to the South Lake Community. Over the years Beta Theta has hosted many successful fundraisers to provide scholarships to local High Schools students, as well as a nursing scholarship. Contributions are made to local organizations including Faith Neighborhood Center, Building Blocks Ministries, Boys and Girls Club, Teachers Appreciation, Hospice/Mike Conley House, St. Judes and Greater Clermont Cancer Foundation. They have given hundreds of thousands of dollars to people in need, as well as their many hours of service. 

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Recently, the community service organization for over 40 years, presented a check to the hospital’s Foundation targeting it for a student scholarship in the field of nursing.  Eleanor Lofgren, a charter member of Beta Theta and long-time hospital volunteer, presented the check to Sheri Olson, Director, South Lake Hospital Foundation.

Scholarships were also given to Lake Sumter State College students Michaela Gonzalez and Aiden Hernandez to assist in their continued educational pursuits.

Beta Theta was chartered in 1979 and since has been an active service organization providing help, scholarships, and sponsorship to the south Lake community.

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Beta Theta made the decision to present a contribution in her honor to a worthy member of Bonnie’s beloved community. Officers Colon and Rogers immediately came to mind as the perfect choice. Each of the CPD officers has made a positive impact in the community.

Officers Colon and Rogers announced that the money presented by Beta Theta will help fund the Heroes and Helpers project.

Heroes and Helpers is an annual, nation-wide event held at Target Stores to help children shop with a first-responder for Christmas. It’s an experience where children have an opportunity to shop with a “hero”.  Kids are also encouraged to shop for presents for themselves, their parents and siblings.

This year Officer Colon announced that more than 50 children have been selected by Clermont officers to participate in the Target shopping spree on December 20. After shopping, McDonald’s Restaurant (Clermont, Hwy 50 ) will provide lunch for the children.

Following the presentation by Beta Theta, Police Chief Broadway had one more announcement – Officer Rogers will be leaving the CPD.  Chief Broadway presented Officer Rogers with a plaque thanking her for her service and expressing his wish for her success in her future endeavors.

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Officer Colon thanks the community for its support and explains the CPD newly created Foundation.

About Officers Colon and Rogers

March 2019, Clermont Chief of Police Chuck Broadway presented Officer Colon the Community Service Award/Spirit Award. Officer Rogers received the Community Service Award.

Officer David Colon –  Community Service Award/Spirit Award

Because of his dedicated involvement in the community, Officer Colon received the community service award/spirit award. He is specifically known for his leadership role in the Oakhurst Project.   He quickly assessed a need in a particular area which is the Oakhurst Subdivision.  This community had several calls for service to include nuisance calls such as noise complaints, loitering, parking issues, suspicious subjects and drug and alcohol violations.  He worked hand-in-hand with the residents and homeowners to organize a security/homeowners committee.  Proactive policing along with problem-solving methods such as crime prevention through environmental design, Officer Colon, along with the community, identified the best way to improve the area for the residents while reducing crime.  He approached several businesses who have offered to provide material and/or monetary support towards the improvement of this community.  Ultimately, through several donations and volunteer hours, the community was improved through beautification efforts such as organized trash cleanups and exterior painting.  As a result of these combined efforts, nuisance crimes dropped to almost non-existent and other more serious violations were reduced.  This has not only gained local attention but statewide, national and international attention.  The Office of the President recognized the Clermont Police Department for using such community-based methods in accordance with the President’s Task Force Report on 21^stCentury Policing. Visit Oakhust Projectto learn more.

Officer Michelle Rogers – Community Service Award

Officer Rogers has fully committed herself to this unit and community.  She works closely with several organizations to provide services to the people of Clermont.  She has partnered with Real Life Church’s Real Help to provide boxes of clothing, food and other items to less fortunate families.  She has worked with New Beginnings to find employment to those seeking jobs.  She routinely met with homeless individuals to assess needs.  She also spoke with victims of domestic violence to provide guidance and services.  During the calendar year of 2018, Officer Rogers assisted a mother of four who was in an abusive relationship and, due to Officer Rogers’ efforts, the mother and children were provided inexpensive housing and Officer Rogers walked her through the ex-parte process.

Officer Rogers is an officer that thinks outside of the box. She helped to initiate a “citation” program designed to use patrol units to “catch” youth conducting good behavior.  The officer would give the youth a “citation” for good behavior as well as a dessert voucher from one of our local food establishments.  This not only promotes good behavior but also positive interaction with the police.  She also has organized the Toy’s 4 Trunks campaign which equips our patrol cars with donated toys to hand out to children in need or who experienced a traumatic event. She assisted Officer Colon in the Oakhurst initiative.

About Beta Theta, ESA

Beta Theta-Clermont, a chapter of ESA, was chartered over 40 years ago.

Giving back to the community is a cornerstone belief of Beta Theta.  As a group, Beta Theta has held community fundraisers since 1979.  Last year, Beta Theta held its 15th annual signature event, the Mardi Gras Celebration, which raised more than $17,000.

This year Beta Theta will be hosting its 16^th Mardi Gras on Saturday, March 14, at Clermont Performing Arts Center.  All proceeds will benefit local high school scholarships and local service organizations.

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