The Mission Viejo / Saddleback Valley Elks Lodge (“Elks Lodge”) held their annual SUMMER Sock Hop on July 14, 2012 at the Elks Lodge in Mission Viejo. “We like to call them youngsters,” said Lodge President Roger Yarnell, “but they are men, women and children of all ages, from six to sixty.
They sure know how to have a good time.” The day was filled with fun, food, and music and dancing. Entertainment was again provided by the High Hopes musical ensemble from Hope University in Santa Ana. The talented musical group, made up entirely of developmentally challenged men and women, is world renowned and has performed on national TV.
Twenty-two (22) Elks Lodge volunteers were on hand at the event to make certain that a good time was had by the one-hundred-ten (110) special guests. Sandy Jacobs, a regular Elk volunteer every year said of the event, “I wouldn’t miss it. Besides the singing and dancing, there’s always a lot of hugging that goes on. It’s wonderful to see how much they enjoy themselves.” Sandy added, “I’m not sure who has more fun…our guests or the Elks who are helping.” Most of the guests are repeat attendees who look forward to meeting up with old friends at the party. Those old friends include many of the Elks Lodge volunteers.
The annual event is one of two parties held by the Elks Lodge for the developmentally challenged men, women and children of the Saddleback Valley community. The second event is the very popular Elks Lodge Christmas Party. Funding for both events comes from the many social functions held throughout the year by the Elks Lodge and from the Elks Lodge Bingo Committee.
The Mission Viejo / Saddleback Elks Lodge No. 2444, celebrating forty-two (42) years of service to the Saddleback Valley communities, is one of ten 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 144 year history of giving, “Elks Care, Elks Share.” For information regarding Elk’s charities, contact the Mission Viejo / Saddleback Valley Elks Lodge No. 2444; Phone: (949) 830-3557.
Hal Mattson, Lodge Publicity
Mission Viejo / Saddleback Valley Elks Lodge No. 2444
Photo one (L to R): Special Guest Peggy Croson; Santa Ana Elk Volunteer Buck Kuhns; Mission Viejo Elks Lodge Volunteer Kathy Griffin; Special Guest Bruce Tran
Photo two: Special guests’ rock & roll to the music of “High Hopes” at the Sock Hop
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