Elks Welcome Thirteen New Members
The Mission Viejo, Saddleback Valley Elks welcomed thirteen new members to the growing local Lodge. Initiated from the City of Mission Viejo were Cathy Baranger, Richard Moscoso, Matt Puccio, and Marci Ann Uruquhart. Also joining the Elks were Shirley Benesch, Jerry Henry, Donna McConnell, and Shawn Stewart of Lake Forest. Laguna Hills residents William Milman, and LeeAnn Reynolds, San Juan Capistrano resident Jim Ryan, Rancho Santa Margarita resident Nina McCann, and Ladera Ranch resident Kara Howsmon all became Elks. Lodge Exalted Ruler Mike Klinger and his corps of officers conducted the impressive Ritual of Initiation.
A report was given by the Run A Ways campers who recently returned from the Elks Rally in Hemet. The event raises funds for the Elks handicapped children’s charity fund affectionately referred to as the Purple Piggy Bank Fund. The local Lodge RVers joined with over 200 RVers from southern California Elks Lodges for a weekend of, fun, games, food, music and dancing, all to raise funds for that worthy Major Project. At the event’s conclusion over $25,000 was raised and the final total was expected to climb even higher.
The Mission Viejo/Saddleback Valley Elks Lodge #2444 is celebrating 48 years of service to Saddleback Valley Communities. It is one of 8 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 150-year history of giving. “Elks Care Elks Share” For information regarding Elks programs or membership, call 949 830-3557.
Seated L to R: Donna McConnell, LeeAnn Reynolds, Kara Howsmon, Exalted Ruler Mike Klinger, Cathy Baranger, Shirley Benisch, and Nina McCann. Standing L to R: Jerry Henry, William Milman, Jim Ryan, Richard Moscoso, Matt Puccio, Shawn Stewart, and Marci Ann Uruquhart.
Andy Costello
Grand Lodge Area 7
Membership & Marketing Committeeman
