By Andy Costello
Photos by Dennis Lumley
On Tuesday June 27th Past Exalted Ruler Derek Randles presented Exalted Ruler Michael Long of the Mission Viejo-Saddleback Valley Elks Lodge #2444 with an award from the Elks National Foundation (ENF). The award was for the Elks Lodge accomplishing the CHARITY LEVEL of generous donations of at least $100,000 from the members.
Exalted Ruler Mike Long and Orange Coast District National Grants chairman Derek Randles
This is a great accomplishment by the members of the local lodge as these funds are added to the funds collected from every Elks Lodge in America, and the ENF fund is able to give $33.1 million annually back to local lodges throughout the nation through grants for community projects. ENF grants provide local Elks Lodges the ability to sponsor programs for youths, veterans, active military, and those in need – programs they may not otherwise be able to fund without the grants.
Mission Viejo Elks utilizes at least three such local grants each year assisting their program for two homeless shelters under the Orange County Rescue Mission and at least one Veteran’s Christmas program. Derek Randles is a Past President of the Mission Viejo-Saddleback Valley Elks Lodge #2444 and is the chairman overseeing all donations to ENF from the local lodge. He is also the Grant Coordinator overseeing the Grant Programs for all 10 Elks Lodges in the Elks Orange Coast District.
In other Elks news, the Lodge welcomed twelve new members in June. Newly initiated Mission Viejo residents were: John Sanchez, Timothy Savant, Heather Montecinos, and John Maldonado. Trabuco Canyon residents initiated were: Anthony Contreras, David Donaldson, and Lance York. Laguna Hills residents becoming members were Brad Holt and Christopher Landauer.
Also joining the Order were Robert Benes of Aliso Viejo, Scott Roberts of Dana Point, and Dan Zanutto of Ladera Ranch. Lodge Exalted Ruler Mike Long and his corps of officers conducted the impressive ceremony and were later complimented by visiting District Deputy Grand Exalted Ruler Designate Stony Bourke for their excellent performance of the time honored initiation ritual.
Seated L to R: New members Anthony Contreras, Heather Montecinos, Exalted Ruler Mike Long, Scott Roberts, Lance York, and David Donaldson. Standing L to R: Juan Maldonado, Robert Benes, Brad Holt, Dan Zanutto, Christopher Landauer, Tim Savant, and John Sanchez
The Mission Viejo/Saddleback Valley Elks Lodge #2444 is celebrating 48 years of service to Saddleback Valley Communities. It is one of 10 lodges in the Orange Coast District of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks (BPOE) whose headquarters is in Chicago, Illinois.
The BPOE is a charitable organization with a 149 year history of giving. “Elks Care Elks Share” For information regarding Elks programs or membership, call 949 830-3557.
Andy Costello
Elks Grand Lodge Area 7
Public Relations & Marketing Committeeman
