A record breaking crowd of 157 individuals attended the Arcadia Chamber of Commerce‘s mixer/ribbon cutting for the Arcadia Elks Lodge 2025 on Thursday, June 23. A good time was had by all. And good business too – A handful of first-timers at the Lodge signed up to be members of the civic group!
The historical Elks Lodge at 27 W. Huntington Drive, a recent recipient of the Chamber’s Arcadia Business Icon tribute, has been a fixture in our community since years before the Elks took it over in 1960.
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Arcadia Chamber CEO Scott Hettrick, who served as Master of Ceremonies for the evening, noted that the Arcadia Elks were formed in 1957 by former Arcadia Mayor Jim Helms, a lawyer who was also recently presented a Business Icon tribute. Scott introduced an emotional Helms, who received loud applause. Many attendees were setting foot in the spacious lodge for the first time.
Current Exalted Ruler of the Elks, Robert DiGioia, said the Elks is a national organization serving our nation’s Veterans, youth and the local community. The local Elks Lodge puts on a number of big events each year including serving 600 meals to our veterans and providing them with gifts during the Christmas holiday. They also support scouting and are greatly involved in drug awareness.
Scott also noted that the Elks national organization is nearly 150 years old and is responsible for getting Congress to declare June 14 an annual Flag Day.
The ribbon cutting portion of the event featured the presentation of a certificate from Mayor Pro Tem Roger Chandler on behalf of the City of Arcadia. Councilman Chandler thanked Jim for all of his hard work over the years in founding the Elks Lodge and congratulated all members of the Elks for all that they do for our community. Arcadia Chamber of Commerce President Andrew Gregson of The Executive Factor presented a plaque for being active in the community for decades and being a member of the Arcadia Chamber for 20 years! Robert was also presented with Certificates of Recognition for the Elks from Viola Van representing Congresswoman Judy Chu; Clayton Arick representing Senator Dr. Ed Hernandez; and Adam Hsu representing Assemblymember Ed Chau. Chamber President-Elect Vicki Knight of Century Rooter & Plumbing presented a certificate from Los Angeles County Supervisor Michael D. Antonovich.
The evening featured wine and soft drinks at the bar, music by Leonard Mendoza, and appetizers including meatballs, chicken wings, cheese, vegetables and delicious cookies.
There was also a raffle with numerous fabulous prizes donated by the following: Richard Zook of Douglass & Zook donated a health basket including a bottle of wine; Annette Ousterhout of Jan’s Towing donated a serving set; Joanna Jimenez of Joanna’s Floral Expressions donated a beautiful flower arrangement; Lani Lee of Beauty Culture donated a gift card for a 90-minute facial; Joan Francone donated three bottles of wine; Raquel McLaughlin and Jeanette Beraha of Vintage Treasures donated a wine decanter; and the Elks Lodge donated five beautiful gift baskets filled with wine and treats. In addition, the Elks Lodge donated two passes for two to Friday night dinners at the Elks Lodge and two passes for two to Sunday breakfasts at the Elks Lodge.
If you would like to become a member of the Arcadia Elks Lodge please call (626) 445-2025 for more information.
