The Mission Viejo / Saddleback Valley Elks Lodge (“Elks Lodge”) held their annual Summer Sock Hop for Saddleback Valley special needs youngsters on July 8, 2017 at the Elks Lodge in Mission Viejo. “We like to call them youngsters,” said Lodge President Mike Long, “but they are men, women and children of all ages, from sixteen to sixty and they sure know how to have a good time.” The day was filled with fun, food, and music and dancing. Entertainment was again provided by the High Hopes musical ensemble from Hope University in Santa Ana. The talented musical group, made up entirely of developmentally challenged men and women, is world renowned and has performed on national TV.
Elks Hilda Hanna & Shryn Howlett Serving guests
Twenty-five (25) Elks Lodge volunteers were on hand at the event to make certain that a good time was had by the one-thirty-Eight (138) special guests. Event chairman Les Stipek of Mission Viejo, said of the event, “It’s wonderful to see some of these wonderful people year after year and how much they enjoy themselves.” Les added, “I’m not sure who has more fun…our guests or the Elks who are helping.”
Most of the guests are repeat attendees who look forward to meeting up with old friends and dancing to the great music at the party. Elks volunteers helping Chairman Les Stipek & Co-chair wife Maggie this year were: Charles T. Hart PER, Lia Faase, Dinah Grosch, Ed Guthrie, Sheryn Howlett, Steve Lund, Barbara Cappola, Steve Cagnacci, Gail Fasi, Jack & Sandy Jacobs, Julie Thomas, Debbie McLean, Temple & Gary Liebman and daughter Abby, Hilda Hanna, Lane Keran, Lisa Hart, Pam Mackey, Jim Humphries, J. Marquez, and John & Nancy Hartnett. Chairman Les also thanked Elk Pam who managed the kitchen and Lodge Esquire Gary Liebmann who photographed the event.
Youngest volunteer Abby Liebmann reading to guest
The annual Sock Hop is one of three parties held by the Elks Lodge for the special needs men, women and children of the Saddleback Valley community. The second event is the very popular Elks Lodge Christmas Party and the third is the Younger Kids Carnival in May. Funding for all three events comes from the many social functions held throughout the year by the Elks Lodge and from the Elks Lodge Charity Committee.
The Mission Viejo/Saddleback Valley Elks Lodge #2444 is celebrating 48 years of service to Saddleback Valley Communities. It is one of 10 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 149 year history of giving. “Elks Care Elks Share” For information regarding Elks programs or membership, call 949 830-3557.
Andy Costello, Lodge Publicity
Mission Viejo / Saddleback Valley Elks Lodge No. 2444
