Mission Viejo, CA – THE ELK”S SEASON OF GIVING — JANUARY TO DECEMBER, but December is always extra busy as Mission Viejo / Saddleback Valley Elks Lodge #2444 gives a super Christmas party for the developmentally challenged men, women and children of the Saddleback Valley.
The wind and rain on Saturday didn’t keep these happy party-goers away. The Elks Lodge was once again full of the holiday spirit as the members played host to 230 special guests. They ranged in age from six to sixty-six. They entered the Lodge in groups – some walked, some shuffled, some used walkers and many came in wheel chairs.
After a lunch of hot dogs, chips, cookies and ice cream were served, D.J. entertainer Michael Nguyen kept the music flowing much to the delight of the merrymakers who sang and danced all afternoon, some with the Elk volunteers. The Laguna Woods “Clown Alley” clowns were again on hand in full regalia passing out balloon hats and bringing smiles to the faces of the partygoers.
And then came the moment the special guests anxiously anticipated. Each enjoyed a personal visit with Santa (Elk Ray Mallen) & Mrs. Clause (Elk Pam Mackay) receiving a bag full of gifts and a photo with Santa.
Elk Exalted Ruler Jim Humphrey said, “It was a combined effort of many dedicated members working together to make the event so successful.” He expressed his gratitude to the Associated Realtors of Mission Viejo for their generous donation for the Kid’s Santa’s photos and the Winstuff Corp. that provided the stuffed animals for the gift bags.
Humphrey offered a special thanks to the Elks Bingo Charity committee for their ongoing sponsorship. At day’s end, a very tired Elks Leading Knight Pat Martino, event organizer, said of the event, “It’s an organized frenzy, but somehow we manage to pull it off every year. Some of these special guests have been attending this party for 25 years and look forward to returning each year. The Elk’s members do whatever it takes to give them a fun day at the Lodge.”
This years Elk helpers included: Sandy Bergan, Ashley & Lauren Rhorer, Eric Medves, Andy & Mary Ann Costello, Pat & Barbara Martino, Lilian Fox, Jordan Bishop, Hal Mattson, Charlie Hart, Bob Hauxhurst, Sandie McClure, Lorene Tierney, Diana Wilson, Jack Jacobs, Jim Girton, Basia Bills & Dave McLoed, Kay & Ed Guthrie, Ken Zittrer, Gerry Schiphorst, Bill James, Judy Lepley, Mike & Norma Lanners, Tom Mac McCarthy, Sister Bridgette Carey, TomBanning, Linda Hardy, Dave Cooper, Lorene Tierney, Jim Wessling, Gloria LeCouvre, Sharon Scott, Pam Mackey, Dennis & Laura Lumley, Paul O’Brien, Carol & Lloyd Beyan, Sheila Ellison.
The Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks (BPOE) has a long standing support structure for the developmentally challenged and has a 141 year history of giving. “Elks Care, Elks Share.”
Andy Costello
Elks Orange Coast District
Public Relations Chairman
