Event Coverage by Derek Randles
Mission Viejo / Saddleback Valley Elks Lodge No. 2444: For the third year in a row, the local Elks were invited to the Orange County Rescue Mission’s House of Hope for single mothers with children. This year the lives of 39 mothers and their kids were again brightened as the Elks aided in their tree decorating ceremony, bringing gifts and cheer to this wonderful group of people.
House of Hope Children pick out their favorite ornaments for the tree
House of Hope Director, Michelle Young helped early to separate all of the night’s presents by family, preparing for the Elks special surprise. Joining the group of Elks were Santa’s Elves (Kylee and Kelsey Klinger, granddaughters of Elks Loyal Knight Mike and Lodge Office Mgr Judy Klinger) who flew in all the way from the North Pole to broaden the Christmas Spirit. Past Elks Lodge President and event organizer, Derek Randles, opened the event by thanking the House of Hope for the invitation, and then the children were ready to decorate.
Leading Knight Mike Long and member Donna Pettipas watched intently as kids climbed the ladders to the TOP of the 17 foot Christmas tree – each trying to outdo the others. Then Santa and Mrs. Claus (Elks member Pam Mackey and husband Ed.) made their appearance. Every family had a chance to sit with Santa while Elves assured that every child received a special gift from the jolly man. Family gift pictures were taken by Lodge photographers Loyal Knight Mike Klinger, and Dennis Lumley and quickly printed and distributed by Past President Pat Martino and Elk member Jim Wessling.
Seated L to R: Elks volunteers:Mike & Judy Klinger Pam and Ed Mackey, Laura & Dennis Lumley, Mike Long, and Donna Pettipus. Standing Event Chairman Derek Randles, Elves Kelsey and Kylee Klinger. Bottom: Jim Wesling and Past Lodge President Pat Martino
Past Lodge President Derek Randles and House Committee chairperson, Stephanie Bongartz, created this outing at the House of Hope three years ago in conjunction with Elks National Foundation (ENF) which sponsored the event with a Gratitude Grant. The House of Hope has 15 rooms with 45 beds, providing mothers with children the ability to re-enter the work force transitioning them from being recently homeless to a stable housing environment. Randles said of the event, “The Mission Viejo/Saddleback Valley Elks Lodge #2444 has a strong bond with all the residences within the Orange County Rescue Mission group and we are honored to be able to help.”
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 148-year history of giving. “Elks Care Elks Share”
Photos by Mission Viejo Elks Mike Klinger, Loyal Knight.
Andy Costello
Grand Lodge Area 7
Public Relations & Marketing Committeeman
