Country Fun Nets $4,000 for Disabled Kids

When the Mission Viejo Elks throw a party, you know there will be dancing.

Earlier this month, the charitable club hosted Western Night with dinner, dancing and lots of cowboy-themed fun.

It's a 30-year tradition, said Event Chair Pat Martino.

"All of the cowgirls and cowboys that attended enjoyed a hootin' good time, knowing that the biggest benefactors of this event are the handicapped kids and the Elks charities supported by the event," he said.

This year the club netted $4,000 for disabled children, which brings their total yearly donation to that cause up to $9,000.

Here's more from Elks publicist Andy Costello, who welcomed guest as the MC that evening:

The Elks Lodge room was once again transformed into a delightful old western town & country scenes with hand painted wall murals and included a jail house that practically everyone frequented by night’s end…happily paying the sheriffs a small fine (for the handicapped kids) to buy their freedom.

The sold out crowd of cowboys and cowgirls in western attire feasted on BBQ tri-tip, BBQ chicken, country beans, corn & salad, topped off with an ice cream desert. Music was provided by the great country & western group, “Back Home Band”. This was the band's first appearance at the event and they kept the dance floor filled for most of the evening.

Guest’s were treated to over 40 surprise door prizes. The prizes were donated by campers and friends, and local merchants. They 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.

Many of the 110 Run-A-Ways RV club members will be headed next to Golden Village Palms in Hemet to join with over 500 Elk RVers from across the State of California for the annual Elks Rally. The annual weekend event is expected to raise in excess of $30,000 for the Elks Major Project which benefits seeing and hearing impaired children. For information on Elks charities call (949) 830-3557.