Mission Viejo/Saddleback Valley Elks Lodge 2444 was the scene of a gala Inaugural Ball honoring the newly elected Elk officers for the coming year. On his very special night, new Elk’s Lodge President (Exalted Ruler) Derek Randles was joined by his mother Sandy Seefert, and son Shay Mead. Also honored were new Vice Presidents (Leading Knight) Camacho Alvarez with wife, Ladies Club President Mary Ann; (Loyal Knight) David McLeod with his Lady Marzina (Basia) Bills, and Lecturing Knight Greg Morgan.
Eighteen (18) other newly elected and appointed officers and spouses were also introduced and took part in the event's Grand March. All will serve in their new positions for a term of one year. The Elks Lodge ballroom was decorated in an elegant black and white theme and lighted by a beautiful crystal chandelier. The one hundred-thirty guests dined on prime rib and mahi-mahi cooked by Elks volunteer chefs Dennis Boelts, Pam & Ed Mackey and crew. Servers were students from the Laguna Hills High School Lacrosse team who were given a donation from the Lodge for their service. Master of ceremonies for the evening was Elk’s Past District Deputy, and the newly installed Lodge Secretary, Norm Jones. Dance music was provided by the band “Flail.” Many members and dignitaries from other Orange Coast District Lodges attended the event. Exalted Ruler Randles greeted the guests and said his motto for the year is “Shooting Straight for Elkdom.” Randles reminded the assemblage of the upcoming Cinco de Mayo Fiesta and asked for support of that worthy annual event which funds the Elks National Foundation's scholarship, and veteran's charities.
The Mission Viejo / Saddleback Elks Lodge No. 2444, celebrating forty-four (44) 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 146 year history of giving, “Elks Care, Elks Share.”
