Recognizing the Charitable Good Works of the Oceanside Elks Lodge #1561

RECOGNIZING THE CHARITABLE GOOD WORKS OF THE OCEANSIDE ELKS LODGE #1561 -- (Extensions of Remarks - July 22, 2004)

SPEECH OF
HON. DARRELL E. ISSA
OF CALIFORNIA
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
THURSDAY, JULY 22, 2004

Mr. ISSA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 75 years of good works and charity of the Oceanside Elks Lodge #1561. On May 31, 1929, the Oceanside Elks Lodge became a reality in the Palomar Theater building in Oceanside, California, with 129 charter members.

The first business meeting took place on June 28, 1929. Since that time, the Lodge has held meetings in three different locations ending in their current facility at 444 Country Club Lane in downtown Oceanside.

The motto, "Elks Care and Elks Share," is well established in the order of Elks, and the Oceanside Lodge has been one of the leaders in monies donated to worthy causes since its beginning. Over the last 15 years, the Oceanside Lodge has donated over $482,624 to charitable causes, such as direct student scholarships, VA Hospitals, the American Heart Association, youth groups and a host of other local charities.

The Elks National Order has donated in excess of $3 billion to charity during its 137 years, second only to the United States Government in total donations.

When founded in 1868, the Elks Lodge was a fraternal organization. However, the Oceanside Lodge is proud to recognize Donna Stewart as their first female Elk and Claudia Dineen as their first female Exalted Ruler.
Their Current Exalted Ruler, Robert F. Neal, is a long-time, respected member of the community and is working to increase the charitable contributions to even greater heights.

Mr. Speaker, I believe it is vital that we in Congress recognize the 187 years of service and charitable good works of the Elks Lodge and the 75 years of generosity of the Oceanside Elks Lodge #1561 to their local community.