By Sheryn Howlett, Co-Chair Veterans Committee
On June 18 as seven volunteers from the Mission Viejo, Saddleback Valley Elks Lodge headed towards Camp Pendleton, all looking forward to preparing their very first lunch at Fisher House. Upon arrival, they were warmly welcomed by General Manager, Victoria Powell-Johnson, who couldn’t be happier to have the group of Elks there. The group was told they were the only Elks Lodge to cook lunch for them, and they said they hoped there would be many more. The majority of the food was supplied by Georgia Kelley, owner of Mollies Café in San Juan Capistrano and Sysco Food Services. Deviled Eggs were prepared by Carol Bryan, Cole Slaw by Georgia Kelley, Baked Beans by Sheryn Howlett and Potato Salad by Larry Howlett. Sven Akesson, Lloyd Bryan, and Lucky Walch did the barbequing of hamburgers and hot dogs.
The Elks were fortunate to meet Gail Reed, who is a heart transplant recipient recuperating at Fisher House and to hear her amazing story. Her husband is a veteran who is a quadriplegic and through it all she keeps a smile on her face. Three beautiful quilts were donated by Jean Chapman and her Sassy Quilters and one was presented to Gail. Elks Sven Akesson said, “She couldn’t believe it. The look on her face when she received her quilt was priceless….but, that’s what the Elks are all about.” The day was a huge success thanks to the Sassy Quilters and the Elks volunteers, Georgia Kelley, Lucky Walch, Carol & Lloyd Bryan, Sven Akesson, and Dennis Lumley.
The Mission Viejo, Saddleback Valley Elks Lodge No.2444, celebrating forty-nine (49) years of service to the Saddleback Valley communities, is one of eight 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 150-year history of giving. “Elks Care, Elks Share.”.
The Volunteers….Carol Bryan, Lloyd Bryan, Lucky Walch, Dennis Lumley, Sven Akesson, Sheryn Howlett and Georgia Kelley
Dennis Lumley, Gail Reed (heart transplant recipient) Sven Akesson with a donated quilt from the Sassy Quilters
Gail Reed being served by Lloyd Bryan
Sven Akesson at the grill
Photos: Courtesy of The Mission Viejo, Saddleback Valley Elks Lodge No.2444
