Art Echternacht, California-Hawaii Elks State President; Martin Hoxworth, RV Rally Treasurer; Barb Martino; Pat Martino, MV Elks Lodge Past Exalted Ruler and Run-A-ways Wagon Master
At the Golden Village Palms RV Resort in Hemet, CA, over 400 California Elks members, spouses and guests generated $30,000 for handicapped kids supported by the California-Hawaii Elks Major Project Incorporated fund (“CHEMPI”). Mission Viejo / Saddleback Valley Elks Lodge No. 2444 (“MV Elks Lodge”) had the largest contingent which included five (5) Past Exalted Rulers, representing a little over ten (10) per cent of the attendees at this 44th annual California Elks RV Rally. This is the largest single 2012 event that raises funds for CHEMPI’s handicapped kids programs.
From throughout California, the rally attracted Elks Lodge RV camper clubs occupying 182 RVs, with 42 hotel guests and over 50 local Elks members and guests. The campers and other attendees were generous in supporting the CHEMPI charity with donations and funds generated from the many games, crafts, raffles and food booths manned by all the participating Elks Lodges. California-Hawaii Elks State President Art Echternacht and First Lady Shirley adjusted their busy schedule in order to attend the rally. Art praised the campers for their dedication in the support of the handicapped kid’s charity.
Mavis Johnson, Elks Occupational Therapist; Alejandro Martinez, 2008 CHEMPI Poster Child
The 2008 CHEMPI poster child and recipient of rehabilitation services from the Elks, Alejandro Martinez, attended the remarks given by Art Echternacht and his Elks funded Occupational Therapist, Mavis Johnson. Alejandro continues to receive weekly therapy from Mavis in his home. His family’s insurance and other resources only permit a 30 minute doctor visit once every four (4) months. Mavis drives over 2,000 miles per month as she visits her 28 CHEMPI assigned handicapped children. CHEMPI funded therapists throughout California travel over 250,000 miles per year delivering over 12,000 treatments to handicapped children.
The MV Elks Lodge was lead by Past Exalted Ruler and Run-A-Ways Wagon Master Pat Martino and wife Barbara with assistance from Past Trustee Jim Wessling and wife Jinnae. Of the event, Pat Martino said, “This year’s event had a more than 20% increase in charitable giving when compared to last year. This means more handicapped children will be served by the Elks so they have an increased opportunity to walk, talk, see and play.”
Golden Village Palms RV Resort Patio Area, Hemet, CA
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.”
Hal Mattson, Lodge Publicity
Mission Viejo / Saddleback Valley Elks Lodge No. 2444; Phone: (949) 830-3557
Photos by Andy Costello
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