The smell of bacon and maple sausage filled the room, waffles were cooking and the omelet station with sizzling ingredients was ready as the Mission Viejo / Saddleback Elks #2444 welcomed over 300 members, guests and families to their annual Easter Brunch and Kids Easter Egg Hunt. Exalted Ruler, Mike Long, stated “it is wonderful to see so many families joining us on Easter morning and enjoying our brunch. We have overwhelming support by our members, the life blood that always makes our events possible.”
The volunteers started well before dawn, preparing all the cooked meats, potatoes, cutting fresh fruit, and all the other ingredients that make our brunch successful. As the guests started to arrive at 9am, the lodge room filled with joy and enthusiasm. Many started with a fresh Belgium waffle or slice of carved pork loin or savory ham, some went straight for the omelet station an ordered the “kitchen sink”.
And what would Easter be without the Easter Egg Hunt. As the clock struck 11am, excited groups of younger kids scurried throughout the lodge backyard hunting for over 1,000 eggs, all stuffed with candy and toys, hidden by MV Elks Activities Committee of Karen Bargabus, Julie Thomas and their team. So many eggs, so little time, as some Easter baskets were overflowing with the brightly color plastic eggs and candy. The egg hunt is definitely a highlight of the day for the kids and families alike.
As our Exalted Ruler motto states, “Elks Build a Better Community”, an MV Elks event is only as successful as the volunteers that add support. Thanks to our chefs, everyone that prepared and served to our many guests that spent a brief part of their Easter day with us. Thank you!
The Mission Viejo/Saddleback Valley Elks Lodge #2444 is celebrating 48 years of service to Saddleback Valley Communities. It is one of 10 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 149 year history of giving. “Elks Care Elks Share” For information regarding Elks programs or membership, call 949 830-3557.
By Mike Klinger
Submitted By: Andy Costello
Elks Grand Lodge Area 7
Public Relations & Marketing Committeeman
