THE ELK”S SEASON OF GIVING — December is always extra busy as Mission Viejo / Saddleback Valley Elks Lodge #2444 hosts a Christmas party for the developmentally challenged men, women and children of the Saddleback Valley.
MV Elks Pat Martino PER discusses the Special Needs Kids event with Elk member Erin Johansen, her volunteer sons, Zach and Nate, and friend Logan (seated)
The Elks Lodge was once again decorated in it’s finest and full of the holiday spirit as the members played host to 194 special guests. The guests 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. Faces lit with excitement as they were all warmly embraced at the Lodge entrance by the Elks cheerful greeters who assisted them into the party.
Clowns from Laguna Woods “Clown Alley” entertain
After a lunch of chicken fingers, chips, lemonade and cookies was served, D.J. entertainer Jim Mouth 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. Elk members, part of the Square Dance Club, put on a square dance exhibition. 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. Shortly after noon, 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 was met at the steps of the Lodge by a large enthusiastic group of the party-goers. They then 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. Elk photographers Dan Dean and Dave Anderson again worked their magic and provided framed color photos taken with Santa and Mrs. Claus for each guest.
Elk Barbara King helps guest with lighted rings
Elk Les Stipek with wife Maggie chaired the event. Stipek offered a special thanks to the Elks Bingo Charity committee for their ongoing sponsorship and said, “It takes a small army of Elks volunteers to make this happen and I can’t thank them enough.” At day’s end, a very tired but still glowing Santa said, “It’s organized mayhem, 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 Charlie Hart, 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: Ed & Pam Mackey, Pat & Barbara Martino, Gloria LeCouvre, Debby King, Charlie Hart, Jesse & JoAnn Hunt, Sandie McClure, Diana Wilson, Jinnae Wessling, Margie Brown, Harvey, Dennis & Keyeigh Boelts, Michael Mandell, Pauline Correa, Dinah Grosch, Dan & Salli Dean, David Anderson, Julie Thomas, Gail Patti, Debbie Lamb, Mike & Judy Klinger, Doug & Janelle Olson, Mary Ann and Andy Costello, Barbara King, Janie Farris, Kay & Ed Guthrie, Brian, Erin, Zach & Nate Johansen, Larry Colgan, Jesse & John Hunt, Jerry Buford, Caren Bowman, Dave Maurer, Alejandra Payne, Fran Baum, Lane Karen, Logan Thompson, Margo Kutner, Jim Humphrey, Gary Stewart, Leah Faase, Sandy Bergan, Vera Pavelec, Craig & Nancy Drennon, Jean Chapman, and Cynthia Ross.
The Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks (BPOE) has a long standing support structure for the developmentally challenged and has a 148 year history of giving. “Elks Care, Elks Share.”
Andy Costello
Grand Lodge Area 7
Public Relations & Marketing Committeeman
