Mission Viejo / Saddleback Valley Elks Lodge #2444 Run-A-Ways RV club rose over $4,000 for handicapped children at its Western Night Hoedown. Year to date, the Elks Lodge camper group has now raised over $9,000 for the Elks Lodge charities. Wagon Master, event chair and Past Exalted Ruler Pat Martino said, “This was our 30th year for the Western Night Dinner-Dance and it just keeps getting better and better each year! All of the cowgirls and cowboys that attended enjoyed a hoot’n good time, knowing that the biggest benefactors of this event are the handicapped kids.â€

The Elks Lodge room was transformed into an old western town & country scene with hand painted wall murals and included a jail house. Serving as one of the high point for the evening nearly everyone did time in the jail house by night’s end…happily paying the sheriff a small fine (going toward the handicapped kids) to buy their freedom. The sold out crowd of cowboys and cowgirls in western attire feasted on BBQ tri-tip and BBQ chicken. Music was provided by the great country & western group, “Back Home Bandâ€. Additionally, guest’s were treated to over 40 surprise door prizes with prizes donated by campers and friends, and local merchants. Prizes ranged from free dinners to baskets of groceries and gift cards. All prizes were obtained through the efforts of camper Marilyn Gross and her committee. The event was chaired by Wagon Master Pat Martino and wife Barbara with the help of no less than 35 hard working club members, all dedicated to making certain that a great time would be had by all. MC Andy Costello welcomed the guests and thanked them for their support.

Pictured: 1) Cowboy Hal Mattson (Past Exalted Ruler) with Daughter-In-Law cowgirl Sarah Mattson 2) (L to R): Awards for best costumes Judge Helen Wilson, Winners Ruth and George Cleaver, Kathy Edmisson, Jim Humphrey (Past Exalted Ruler) and Judge Mary Ann Costello