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Clowns from Laguna Woods “Clown Alley” entertain a special guest (center)
THE ELK”S SEASON OF GIVING — JANUARY TO DECEMBER, but December is always extra busy as Mission Viejo / Saddleback Valley Elks Lodge #2444 gives a super Christmas party for the developmentally challenged men, women and children of the Saddleback Valley.
The Elks Lodge was once again full of the holiday spirit as the members played host to 194 special guests. They ranged in age from sixteen to sixty-six. They entered the Lodge in groups – some walked, some shuffled, some used walkers and many came in wheel chairs with the help of their caregivers.
After a lunch of hot dogs, chips, lemonade and cookies was served, D.J. entertainer & Elk member Roy Southerland kept the music flowing much to the delight of the merrymakers who sang and danced all afternoon along with old friends and with the Elk volunteers.
The Laguna Woods “Clown Alley” clowns were again on hand in full regalia passing out balloon hats and bringing smiles to the faces of the party-goers. And then came the moment. A big red fire truck arrived with sirens blaring. Riding atop the truck, and waving to all as the truck pulled up to the Elks Lodge, was none other than Santa Claus Ed Mackay & Mrs. Claus Elk Pam Mackay.
The jolly couple worked their way through the crowded dance floor with many hugs and warm greetings for all before retreating to a special room to make ready for the individual visits. Each guest enjoyed his or her own personal time with Santa and received a bag full of gifts. Photographers Dan Dean and Dave Anderson worked their magic and provided framed color photos taken with Santa and Mrs. Claus for each guest.
Elk Les Stipek with wife Maggie chaired the event. Stipek offered a special thanks to the Elks Bingo Charity committee for their ongoing sponsorship. At day’s end, a very tired but still glowing Santa said, “It’s an organized frenzy, but as usual we somehow manage to pull it off. We just love seeing so many smiles and how much happiness the party brings to these wonderful people.” Past Lodge President Pat Martino, a veteran worker at the event said, “I wouldn’t miss being here every year. Some of these same special guests have been attending this party for 25 years and look forward to returning each year. Our Elk’s members do whatever it takes to give them a fun day at the Lodge.”
This year’s Elk helpers included: Bonnie, Ed & Pam Mackey, Joe, Sean, Ella & Lila Shively, Mary Ann and Andy Costello, Zaik & Nate Janse, Pat & Barbara Martino, Gloria LeCouvre, Debby King, Jessie & Susan Rodriguez, Charlie Hart, Jesse & JoAnn Hunt, Sandie McClure, Diana Wilson, Jack & Sandy Jacobs, Lloyd &Carol Bryan, Jinnae Wessling, Margie Brown, Harvey Boelts, Dennis & Laura Lumley, Dinah Grosch, Dotty White, Dan Dean, David Anderson, Julie Thomas, Roy Southerland & Kate Murphy, Gail Patti, Jill Benson, Debbie Lamb, Mike & Judy Klinger, Dave Perry, Jim & Carol Glover, Doug & Janelle Olson, Barbara King, Janie Farris, Ed Guthrie, Brian Johansen, Frank & Sandy Scarpine, and Nancy Drennon.
The Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks (BPOE) has a long standing support structure for the developmentally challenged and has a 145 year history of giving. “Elks Care, Elks Share.”
LITTLE THINGS CAN MEAN A LOT
Members of the Mission Viejo Saddleback Valley Elks camping club “The Run-A-Ways” visited the South County Outreach Food Pantry in Irvine a few days before Christmas.
The Run-A-Ways, a small club within the local Elks Lodge came bearing little gifts as has been the custom for the past five years. The club recently held their annual Christmas party and in lieu of a gift exchange, once again left donations for gift cards to be purchased and donated to South County Outreach.
Past Elks Lodge President and Wagon Master Pat Martino was accompanied by Run-A-Ways assistant Wagon Master Jim Wessling, and club members Frank Gunning, and Andy Costello. Twenty-one (21) fifteen dollar ($15) department store gift cards were presented to Outreach Director Ken Carpenter.
“We add the gift cards to our family food baskets,” said Outreach Director Ken. “We usually have things to give the small children but we seldom have anything for the teenagers. Our intention is to include these gift cards for the teens in the family to buy something for themselves or buy a gift for someone else. These twenty-one special gifts will make Christmas just a little happier for twenty-one families.”
Director Carpenter thanked the men and wished a Merry Christmas to all the members of the Mission Viejo Saddleback Valley Elks Lodge.
“KEEP COMMUNICATING”
Andy Costello
2015-16 California, Hawaii Elks Association
Public Relations Chairman
Mission Viejo, Saddleback Valley Elks Lodge #2444
