SPECIAL GUESTS ROCK AT ELKS SUMMER SOCK HOP

The Mission Viejo / Saddleback Valley Elks Lodge (“Elks Lodge”) held their annual Summer Sock Hop for Saddleback Valley special needs men and women on July 14, 2018, at the Elks Lodge in Mission Viejo. The day was filled with fun, food, 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 Pam Mackey and Kelly Imber busy in the kitchen

Twenty-six (26) Elks Lodge volunteers were on hand at the event to make certain that a good time was had by the one hundred thirty-five (135) special guests. Event chairman Les Stipek of Mission Viejo, said of the event, “It’s a joy to see some of these wonderful people year after year and how much they enjoy themselves.” Les added, “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 this year were: Greg Morgan, Lia Faase, Nadine, Dinah Grosch, Hal Mattson PER, Ed Guthrie, Sheryn Howlett, Kevin Lindley, Su Barker, Gail Fasi, Teniifka & Mario Campinalli, Jack & Sandy Jacobs, Debbie McLean, Kelly Imber, Charles T. Hart PER, Judy Buckley, Lodge Lecturing Knight Lane Keran & Kelly, Gail Patti, Lisa Hart, Pam Mackey, Jim Humphrey PER, and Kathy Nichols. Chairman Les gave a special thanks to Elks Pam Mackey for her work in the kitchen, Su Barker who photographed the event and Greg Morgan who headed up the kitchen staff. Chairman Stipek also thanked the Lodge Bingo Charity Committee and extended his thanks especially to the people of the Saddleback Valley community who visit the Lodge to play bingo on Wednesday nights. “Without their wonderful support, we would not be able to provide these happy events for such deserving and special citizens of the community.”

Elk volunteers at the party. Event Chairman Les Stipek second from left

The annual Sock Hop is one of four 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 August. A fourth event recently added in May is the Adult Transition Program Dance for Special Adults 18 to 22 years old. Funding for all four events comes from the many social functions held throughout the year by the Elks Lodge and from the Elks Lodge Bingo Charity Committee. 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.