At the Saddleback Mission Viejo Elks Lodge #2444 over 300 members, family, and friends of the Elks gathered together on Memorial Day to honor members of the Armed Services who gave their lives in the protection of our country. Exalted Ruler Greg Morgan spoke on the purpose behind the day, followed by a prayer from Lodge Chaplain Richard Holmes. The ceremony ended with Taps beautifully played on the trumpet by Nathan Huseby, a student at El Toro High School.
All present enjoyed a delicious BBQ lunch while listening to live music by Wolf & Co. and karaoke by Roy Southerland. Over $1,000.00 was raised in donations and raffles in which all proceeds from the day went to the Purple Pig Fund. The Purple Pig is the fundraising arm of the California-Hawaii Elks Association Major Project, Inc. (CHEMPI).
The California-Hawaii Elks have raised over $116.2 MILLION since 1950 to address the unmet needs of children with disabilities by developing a program of supporting services to aid these children at no cost to their families.
The Elks expressed their huge appreciation to the many volunteers that made this day happen, from dawn to dusk, so many gave their time and talents to make this successful event happen.
The Mission Viejo/Saddleback Valley Elks Lodge #2444 is celebrating 50 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 152-year history of giving. “Elks Care Elks Share”. For information regarding Elks programs or Elks membership, call 949 830-3557.
By Jenny Buford
Photo credits: Rick Moscoso
Burger Buffet
Cotton Candy Team – Stu & Dylan Urquhart
