Mission Viejo, CA – At an August 2010 City Council Meeting, Mission Viejo / Saddleback Valley Elks Lodge #2444 (“Elks Lodge”) was awarded the “Best Community Outreach Program” for its participation in that city’s Independence Day parade.
The Elks Lodge float containing its newly acquired Elk statue was ushered down the parade route by Boy Scout Troop # 607 (troop is sponsored by the Lodge). Also leading the float were convertibles containing Elks Lodge officers. Veterans, Elks Lodge members, families and other supporters walking the parade route brought the total to 142 participants, the largest contingent in the parade.
Chairperson for the event Lecturing Knight Ray Mallen said, “Our Lodge was pleased to support Lake Forest’s Independence Day celebration. We’re proud of the outstanding participation of our officers, members, their families and groups financially supported by the Elks”, and for the recognition afforded us by the Lake Forest city council.”
Elks Lodge Exalted Ruler Pat Martino said, “For the past forty years, our Elks Lodge has strived to work with and help improve the cities in the Saddleback Valley. We are humbled by the recognition afforded us by the Lake Forest city council and will endeavor to continue and to increase our community outreach programs.”
The Mission Viejo / Saddleback Elks Lodge #2444 is one of ten lodges in the Orange Coast District of the BPOE whose headquarters is in Chicago, Illinois. The BPOE is a charitable organization with a 142 year history of giving, “Elks Care, Elks Share.”
Hal Mattson, Lodge Publicity
Mission Viejo / Saddleback Valley Elks Lodge #2444
(949) 830-3557
