Mayor Hawkins thanks Elks Lodge for helping baseball in Orange

On Friday July 22, 2011 Orange Elks Lodge #135 held a barbeque for the Monte Irvin League players who were leaving for Florida for the Inner City World Series. The highlight of the event was the presentation by Orange Lodge ENF Chairman Matthew P. Mulligan Jr. of a $1,000.00 check to League Commisioner Diane Sczcepanik and Orange Mayor Eldridge Hawkins Jr.

At the World Series, the Orange teams played well, but unfortunately did not advance to  the playoffs. The players had a great time and enjoyed the  experience of competing and visiting Florida.

The Orange Elks Lodge donates their facilities during the year to numerous organizations, the Orange Schools, Senior Citizens, Special Needs Programs and Charity events. Many of these events are in partnership with the City of Orange. In May of this year, the Elks Lodge, in partnership with the Orange,
hosted Memorial Services at the Lodge and visited 12 monuments, laying wreaths in honor of veterans.

Statement by Mayor Eldridge Hawkins, Jr.
“I am proud of the Orange Monte Irvin League players. They played their hearts out in Florida and were wonderful young goodwill ambassadors for our city. On behalf of the people of Orange, I also want to thank our Elks Lodge for all they do to enhance the quality of life here. In this time of recession and tight budgets, their financial contribution to Monte Irvin Baseball is greatly appreciated.”

Statement by Matthew P. Mulligan Jr, Orange Elks Lodge ENF Chairman

"Orange Elks Lodge # 135 has been and will always be committed to the youth of our community. As a caring partner in the City of Orange, we will continue to uphold our obligation as Elks to continue our work with the numerous programs offered through our Lodge. The Orange Elks Lodge # 135, Exalted Ruler Richard Reinhardt and all of our Officers and Members are proud of the Monte Irvin League players.
By their participation, they proved that they are all winners."

About the Elks:
The Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks is a nationwide Fraternal Order dedicated to the communities of America, Veterans and Special Needs Children. The goals of local Lodges are to aid the youth of
their communities by mentoring, providing or aiding in sports programs, sponsoring educational challenges such as essay contests in the schools, offering scholarship applications to High School Seniors and offering
programs such as drug awareness to name a few. More information can be reviewed on the Elks web site www.elks.org.

Matthew Mulligan of Elks Lodge presents check to Mayor Hawkins and Diane Sczcepanik, Monte Irvin Commissioner