Meriden, Connecticut B.P.O. Elks Lodge #35 Hosts Celebration of Elks National Foundation’s 75th Anniversary
The Birthplace of the Elks National Foundation
On November 22, 2003, Meriden Lodge #35 hosted a gala Ball to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the Elks National Foundation. In 1927 on a visit to Connecticut, John F. Malley, Endorsed Candidate for Grand Exalted Ruler, first publicly announced his dream for our charitable trust at a banquet at Meriden Lodge. The following year as Grand Exalted Ruler, John Malley’s dream became reality as the Elks National Foundation.
This black tie affair was held at the Aqua Turf Club, one of Connecticut’s premier ballrooms in nearby Plantsville, CT. There were approximately 250 attendees including the Honorable Grand Exalted Ruler Amos A. McCallum & wife Barbara, Past Grand Exalted Ruler Peter T. Affatato & wife Irene, Past Grand Exalted Ruler Dr. Leonard Bristol, Past Grand Exalted Ruler Arthur Mayer & wife Lynda, Grand Lodge Trustee Peter Hall & wife Sharon, Grand Lodge Americanism Committeeman, Area 1, Richard Palanzo and wife Karyn, Grand Lodge Youth Activities Committeeman, Area 1, Ernie Southworth & wife Eva, and Special Deputy Grand Exalted Ruler representing Connecticut, Francis A. Joyce. The Emcee for the evening was Robert Hansen, Past Grand Lodge Americanism Chairman. Also in attendance were the Connecticut Elks Association President Phil Wilson and wife Sandy, the four Connecticut District Deputy Grand Exalted Rulers, the four state Vice Presidents as well as Association officers.
Hors d’oeuvres began the evening at 6:30. Dinner followed with choices of Prime Rib of Beef, Baked Stuffed Shrimp and Chicken Française. After dinner and during dessert, the honored guests were introduced. The Hon. Peter Affatato, PGER was first introduced and he congratulated the ENF Trustees and staff for the fine job they have done and continue to do. The Hon. Dr. Leonard Bristol, PGER was introduced next and he spoke of the legacy which PGER Malley left, its history and insights to the aid which it will render in this coming year. Finally GER Amos McCallum was introduced and he expounded on the history of the ENF and its vast philanthropic reaches from its inception to aspirations for its future. A donation to the Elks National Foundation was then presented to GER McCallum from Past District Deputy Jay Niland, Event Chairman on behalf of Meriden Lodge #35 in the amount of $2,500.
After the dinner and speaking portion concluded, the festivities continued. Music, dancing and merriment filled the ballroom to the sounds of the 17-piece Bob Hughes Big Band. The event ended at midnight with complementary shuttle busses available to take event goes back to their hotels and to the Lodge.
Meriden Elks Lodge #35 would like to cordially thank all who attended this evening and in making it the event the success and memorable occasion that it was. Great appreciation is also extended to all those who supported the function through the Supporters and Advertisers Book.
Fraternally Submitted,
Jay
Niland, PDD
Jay Niland, Past District
Deputy
Meriden Lodge ENF 75th Anniversary Ball Chairman
Pictures from the ENF Ball
These courtesy of Steve Ferraro
