(L to r): Hal Mattson, Elks Lodge Publicity; Andy Costello, Orange Coast District Publicity Chairperson, 2011-2012 California-Hawaii Elks Association (“CHEA”) Publicity Chairperson & Elks Lodge Organist; Rick Blake, CHEA State Vice President for the Orange Coast District presenting the Grand Lodge Division III First Place Community Service and Image Award.
In recognition of its Saddleback Valley community charity work, Mission Viejo / Saddleback Valley Elks Lodge No. 2444 (“Elks Lodge”) is the recipient of several national awards from the Grand Lodge of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks (“BPOE”).
For the 2011-2012 Elk year, the Elks Lodge received the following awards in the BPOE’s Division III (divisions are based on Lodge’s membership size):
– First Place Community Service and Image Award
– First Place Best Single Event for the Elks Lodge Handicapped Children’s Christmas Party
– Third Place Per Capita Donations to the Elks National Foundation
The Elks National Foundation’s mission is to help Elks build stronger local communities. Since its inception in 1928, the Elks National Foundation has contributed more than $324.6 million toward Elks’ local charitable projects nationwide. These funds enable programs that support youth, honor veterans, and meet needs in areas where Elks live and work.
Andy Costello, Elks Lodge Publicity Chairperson and Organist, Orange Coast District Publicity Chairperson and 2011-2012 California-Hawaii Elks Association (“CHEA”) Publicity Chairperson said, “The Mission Viejo / Saddleback Valley Elks Lodge members are grateful for the citizens of the Saddleback Valley that are accepting of our local charity work. Although no award can outshine the joy our members receive from their charitable works, these national awards confirm the national prominence afforded our Saddleback Valley communities and Elks Lodge.”
The Mission Viejo / Saddleback Elks Lodge No. 2444, celebrating forty-two (42) 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 144 year history of giving, “Elks Care, Elks Share.” For information regarding Elk’s charities, contact the Mission Viejo / Saddleback Valley Elks Lodge No. 2444; Phone: (949) 830-3557.
