Over 130 cowboys and cowgirls feasted on BBQ ribs and chicken, corn, mashed potatoes, bread, Caesar salad, and homemade tri-berry cobbler at the Mission Viejo, Saddleback Valley Elks Western Nite Dinner Dance and Pediatric Cancer Fundraiser. The Elks Exalted Ruler Mike Klinger welcomed Elks and friends to the sold-out charity event in which all proceeds are donated to the Orange County Foundation for Oncology Children and Families (OCF-OCF).
Dancing the night away to the music of South County Band
The Elks Lodge was teleported to circa 1880 and the rowdy days of an old Western boomtown. Outside the Lodge lay many wooden tombstones with humorous epitaphs while at the Lodge entrance mannequin poker players greeted all the guests. Inside the main Lodge room, the walls were adorned with tall murals of rustic scenes, including a saloon, a hotel and other mercantile frontages. During the evening festivities Cowboy Deputies “arrested troublemakers” and briefly held them in the Elks County jail. Photographs were taken for future Wanted Posters and all jailbirds were freed after their $1 bail was made.
The lineup for the best costume judging
Line dancing and couples dancing was inspired by the fabulous country & western music of RJ Shelby and his “South County Band”. The dance floor was filled all night and a great time was had by all. Guests were invited to participate in a silent auction of prizes donated by local merchants.
OCF-OCF representative Dr. Roger Perez and counselors Shannan and Dave Schafer were on hand to discuss the organization’s community programs and goals. The Mission Viejo Elks have enjoyed a good community relationship with OCF-OCF and has donated money, goods, and services to OCF-OCF for more than 15 years.
Lecturing Knight Lane Keran , Best couple costume winners Pat and Susan Osgood and Exalted Ruler Mike Klinger
Exalted Ruler Mike Klinger, OCF-OCF Counselor Shannan Schafer, event coordinator and Past Exalted Ruler, Mike Long, event chairman and Lodge Trustee, Vicky Long, OCF-OCF Counselor Dave Schafer and OCF-OCF representative Dr. Roger Perez
Winner of best women’s costume Julie Hill & husband Bill
Elks and guests were dressed in western clothing and prizes were awarded for best western costumes. Best Couple costume winners were Patrick and Susan Osgood. Best Cowgirl costume winner was Julie Hill. Best Cowboy costume winner was Patrick Osgood.
Event chairperson Vicky Long thanked the many volunteers who helped with ticket sales, decorating, cooking, serving and clean up. They included: Gail Patti, Jack and Sandy Jacobs, Andy Costello, Lane and Kelly Keran, Mike and Judy Klinger, Sandie McClure, Mike Long, Gary Beadle, Sue Barker, Kevin Lindley, Ed MacKey, Janae Wesling, Laura Lumley and Sheryn Howland.
The Mission Viejo/Saddleback Valley Elks Lodge #2444 is celebrating 49 years of service to Saddleback Valley Communities. It is one of 8 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”. For information regarding Elks programs or membership, call 949 830-3557
By Mike & Vicky Long
Photos by Su Barker
Submitted By:
Andy Costello
Grand Lodge Area 7
Membership & Marketing Committeeman
