On Saturday, the Mission Viejo Saddleback Valley Elks Lodge #2444 celebrated their 48th year of service to the community under beautiful sunny skies in their backyard patio. Back in September of 1970, a determined group of community-minded individuals petitioned and were granted a Lodge Charter by the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. The Mission Viejo Elks are a strong and vital part of the Saddleback Valley community and since their beginning have donated nearly $10 million dollars in gifts and services to the community.
Lodge Past Exalted Rulers L to R: Jason Spence, Bill James, Norm Jones, Jim Humphrey, Mike Long, Irene Romero,
Charles T. Hart, Dave Mcleod, Harvey Boelts
Past Exalted Rulers work the buffet tables
Happy Birthday Mission Viejo, Saddleback Valley Elks
The Lodge Past Exalted Rulers hosted the 48th Annual Lodge Anniversary Barbecue with delicious BBQ tri-tip and chicken and all the fixings. The Lodge Past Exalted Rulers hosting this event included Richard Williams, Norm Jones, Bill James, Irene Romero, Charles T Hart, Jason Spence, Hal Mattson, David McLeod, Harvey Boelts, Jim Humphrey, and Mike Long.
Shelly Kirsch raffle prize gift basket winner with PER Mike Long
The crowd of 150 Lodge members rocked and danced to great live band entertainment by Rock of Ages. Handmade potato and macaroni salads were lovingly prepared by Basia Bills, Vicky Long and scrumptious corn on the cob was expertly grilled by Bill Bongartz, Mike Zaic and Laura Cook. Food from this event was also donated to the Broadway House providing services for Orange County Veterans. Special thanks to Janelle Robinson for her homemade gift basket and Sharon Howland for her raffle ticket sales which were added to the Lodge’s charity funds. Raffle winner Shelly Kirsch remarked the gift basket contained many lovely items.
By Mike Long
