Mr. & Mrs. Santa Claus Delivered by “Big John”
Santa and Mrs. Claus arrived at Mission Viejo / Saddleback Valley Elks Lodge No. 2444 (“Elks Lodge”) in “Big John”, a shiny red fire truck courtesy of Elks State Vice-President Harvey Boelts and the Orange County Fire Authority. Mr. and Mrs. Claus were attending the Elks Lodge’s annual Christmas party for Special Kids (“Guests”). To Greet the distinguished couple from the North Pole (AKA Elks Ed and Pam Mackey), one hundred and seventy-five (175) Guests, caregivers and Elks sang “We Wish You a Merry Christmas”.
Elks Lodge President Jason Spence Welcomes a Special Guest
Boys and girls, men and women of all ages filled the Elks Lodge and enjoyed a visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus. Every guest received a large holiday bag full of gifts. A hot lunch was served and a contingent of clowns from the Laguna Woods “Clown Alley” entertained. Throughout the afternoon DJs Larry and Irene Stephens provided the music that kept the happy Guests dancing and singing Karaoke. Dozens of Elk volunteers saw to the safety and comfort of each and every Guest.
Laguna Woods Clown Alley with Elks Lodge President Jason Spence
Guests are invited from care homes and a few Guest’s parent’s homes from throughout the Saddleback Valley. Due to room capacity requirements, admission is by invitation only. The Christmas event is one of two such annual parties sponsored by the Elks Lodge for the developmentally challenged. A summer Sock Hop is the second. Both events are paid from the Elks Lodge Charity 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.”
Hal Mattson, Elks Lodge Public Relations
