EDISON, NJ — Days after a fire destroyed their home of 53 years, the Edison Elks are vowing to rebuild, and a neighboring lodge is already raising money to help.
In a letter to the community dated Sept. 27, Exalted Ruler Marty Langan thanked everyone who reached out after the fire that destroyed Edison Elks Lodge #2487 on Old Post Road early Saturday.
"To see our beloved home reduced to ashes is a heartbreaking loss for all of us," Langan wrote.
For 53 years, the lodge has been a place where members gathered to support veterans, help children with special needs and families in need, and "forge lifelong friendships," he wrote.
"Losing the building hurts deeply, but as I look at the overwhelming outpouring of love and unity from our members, neighboring lodges, first responders, and local community, I am reminded of a fundamental truth," Langan wrote. "The lodge is just a building... The members are the Edison Elks."
He thanked firefighters and emergency crews who responded "with courage and tireless dedication," as well as the organizations and residents who have offered space and resources.
"While the path ahead will take time and hard work, our commitment to our mission and to Edison remains unshakable," he wrote. "We will rebuild, and we will emerge stronger together."
Meanwhile, the East Brunswick Elks are hosting a fundraiser to help with the rebuilding, NJ.com reported. The lodge hopes to raise $4,800 by selling 600 bags of coffee through GroupRaise, with one-third of the revenue going to the Edison Elks.
"We are hopeful that this will help with their expenses of rebuilding their Edison Elk Lodge. To our brothers and sisters, our prayers and hearts and support are with you all," the fundraiser page reads, according to NJ.com.
The Edison Fire Department responded to the fire around 5:44 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 26, Mayor Sam Joshi said. The fire caused major structural damage, and no injuries were reported.
Langan later said the building had been condemned and was "a total loss." On Saturday night, with help from the Middlesex County Fire Marshal's Office, he was able to recover some of the lodge's keepsakes, the lodge said.
"To all Elks members, know that Edison is here to support as it's rebuilt," Joshi said.
The cause of the fire has not been released.
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