Elks Lodge Volunteers at Lake Mission Viejo’s Marine Appreciation Day

Mission Viejo / Saddleback Valley Elks Lodge No. 2444 (“Elks Lodge”) supported Lake Mission Viejo’s Marine Appreciation Day. The Elks, led by its veterans chairman Andy Dumont, were volunteers of the Palmia and Casta Del Sol Military Veterans Clubs who donated the food, refreshments and children’s gifts.

The Marines, Sailors and Air Group of the First Marine Division from Camp Pendleton and their families were given free admission to Lake Mission Viejo to enjoy the lake’s pleasures: a pontoon boat ride around the lake, a kayak “cruise”, swimming, some fishing and other lake activities. Each child could also select one gift from a selection of toy vehicles, dolls, DVDs, balls, board games or stuffed animals. The Elks provided soccer balls.

The Marines enjoyed live music by Cappys Rock & Roll Band, a lunch of barbequed burgers, bratwurst and hot dogs, chips, cookies, cup cakes, apples, oranges, water, juice, soda and other refreshments. The Elks volunteers also helped the many members of the Military Veteran’s Clubs with the barbeque. Other attractions included a bounce house and mechanical bull ride.

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, Lodge Publicity

Mission Viejo / Saddleback Valley Elks Lodge No. 2444