District Deputy Grand Exalted Ruler David Skelton presents achievement award to Elks Lodge President Jason Spence
Orange Coast District (“OCD”) Deputy Grand Exalted Ruler (“DDGER”) David Skelton, along with District Esquire R.C. Bourke and District Auditor Rick Bruce recently visited Mission Viejo / Saddleback Valley Elks Lodge No. 2444 (“Elks Lodge”) this week.
The purpose of the visit was to conduct an annual a review of the Elks Lodge, which included an audit of the Elks Lodge’s financial condition, and to impart the annual message from the National President of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks to the Elks Lodge membership.
Additionally, an inspection of the Elks Lodge property was conducted by the District Esquire. The Lodge received an excellent report regarding all aspects of the review. DDGER Skelton praised the members for their participation in numerous charitable programs and emphasized their work with the Third Grade Dictionary Project, Scholarship Program and Veterans and Active Military.
Elks Lodge President Jason Spence (“Rancho Santa Margarita”) said of the visit, “There is always a certain amount of trepidation over an annual review, because we are in fact a very large and active operation with our charity and community programs. Additionally, the Elks Lodge members have a good sized property here that needs to be properly maintained.” Spence added, “It’s always nice to be recognized for our good works, but we vigorously enjoy the good deeds we do here. We just returned from our Run-A-Ways campers club’s four day rally in Hemet where we joined with other Southern California Lodges playing a major role in raising over $40,000 for our handicapped kids fund.”
The Mission Viejo / Saddleback Elks Lodge No. 2444, celebrating forty-three (43) 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 145 year history of giving, “Elks Care, Elks Share.”
Andy Costello, Lodge Publicity
Mission Viejo / Saddleback Valley Elks Lodge No. 2444
