Honoring Departed Veterans with Free Coffee Event Raises Over $600 for Elks Veteran's Fund
The Coffee Is Free
The Price Of Freedom Paid By Those Who Served
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Beaumont, CA – May 23, 2025 – The Banning Beaumont Elks Lodge #1839 conducted a successful Free Coffee Event at Café Agape on Friday, May 23rd, raising over $600 in less than two hours to support the Elks veteran-focused programs.
The event was inspired by former Marine and Elks member Barry Easdale to honor all departed military service members. The event was sponsored by the Easdale family, SPCDL Truck Driving School and, Café Agape, located at 381 6th Street in Beaumont. The owners of Café Agape, Steven and Jennifer, enthusiastically hosted the event expressing their commitment to serving those who served our country.
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Barry Easdale shared that honoring the memory of CMSGT Harold "Easy" Easdale (Vietnam), SSGT Jacob Eric Easdale (Afghanistan), and CPO James Arlie Laub Sr (Vietnam) is deeply important to his family. “We greatly appreciate and take pride in honoring all service members,” Easdale said.
“The amount of support from those who received free beverages or just stopped by the event was truly inspiring,” said Brad Lawrence, Exalted Ruler of the Elks Lodge. Volunteers engaged with guests, distributing flyers explaining the mission behind the event and collecting donations from those eager to contribute to veteran assistance.
During the event:
147 drinks were served
80 vehicles drove through
50 invitations were extended to individuals interested in learning more about the Elks Lodge and attending a dinner at the lodge as the guest of the Exalted Ruler.
All funds raised will directly support the Elks Veterans Fund, which provides Welcome Home Kits to veterans transitioning from homelessness. These kits include a new bed and household essentials to help veterans move into stable housing. Additionally, the fund supports leather craft kits, meals, and other essential services that enhance the well-being of those who have bravely served.
The Banning Beaumont Elks Lodge #1839, located at 1465 E 6th St in Beaumont, remains committed to supporting veterans and fostering community engagement. The lodge welcomes visitors that wish to be part of something bigger then themselves for dinner on Tuesdays, Thursdays for karaoke, and Fridays for steak and fish dinners. The lodge opens at 4 pm and dinner service begins at 5 pm. Visitors must tell the staff they want to learn more about the Elks which is a member only organization.
For more information on how to help the Elks support veterans, please call (909) 770-4758 or the lodge at (951) 845-3366.
Media Contact
Brad Lawrence
Exalted Ruler
Banning Beaumont Elks Lodge #1839
