The Whooligans
Guests at Irish County Tables: Cork, Killarney, Drumcree, etc.
Robert and Linda McGuire
Tom and Marge Schreck
Ray Mallen Gives Roses to Ann Mallen
Irish Dancing: Aniar Academy of Laguna Niguel.
Irish Dancing: Aniar Academy of Laguna Niguel.
Mission Viejo / Saddleback Valley Elks Lodge No. 2444 (“Elks Lodge”) raised over $2,000 for the Elks National Foundation (“ENF”) Charity from its sold-out St. Patrick’s Dinner/Dance. Over 220 attendees enjoyed Irish music, Irish dancing and an authentic Irish Pub Buffet dinner prepared by Ann Mallen, wife of Elks Lodge officer, Ray Mallen, with assistance from Ed Mackey and Clint MacDonald. Stephanie Bongartz, Pam Mackey and other Lodge volunteers assisted with event operations.
For an evening, the Elks Lodge became a new Irish County. The outstanding authentic Irish Pub Buffet included: Irish Soda Bread, Leek and Potato Soup, Shepherd’s Pie, Bangers and Mash with Onion Gravy, Corned Beef braised in Guinness Beer, Cabbage with onion and bacon, Cheese Potato Pie, Carrots and Parsnips with Irish Butter and Bailey’s Irish Cream Cheese Cake. Attendees also enjoyed some authentic Irish refreshments.
Musical entertainment for the evening was provided by Long Beach’s famous Irish Pub band – the Whooligans. Later in the evening, an exhibition of outstanding Irish dancing was provided by world class dancers from Aniar Academy of Laguna Niguel. The dinner crowd gave numerous standing ovations for the Irish music and Irish dancing.
Established in 1928, the mission of the ENF is to help Elks build stronger communities. ENF provides tomorrow’s leaders, our youth, with a healthy beginning through its hoop shoot and scholarship programs; honors the Elks’ pledge to never forget the nation’s veterans; helps Elks state associations accomplish their charitable objectives; and funds projects that improve the quality of life in local communities. ENF is one of the nation’s leaders in the amount of scholarships provided to America’s youths.
Elks Lodge event chairman Ray Mallen said, “Life is too short not to be Irish! The event attendees raved about the authentic Irish food. The Whooligans and Aniar Academy dancers provided world class entertainment. And most importantly, the Elks Lodge raised a significant amount to donate to the ENF. Our gratitude is extended to the event volunteers and especially Ann Mallen for the authentic Irish food.”
The Mission Viejo / Saddleback Elks Lodge No. 2444, celebrating forty-one (41) 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 143 year history of giving, “Elks Care, Elks Share.”
