BREMERTON — Christmas came early this year to more than 250 children and adults with special needs.
Bremerton Elks Lodge 1181 hosted its 30th annual “Special People’s Party” on Dec. 17 at the Elks Lodge. The event featured dancing, a visit with Santa & Mrs. Claus, and lunch.
Event chairman Bob Ferda has been involved in this event for 13 years and said this is one of the best events the lodge presents. But there are others: The lodge hosts monthly bingo games and an annual Christmas dinner at the Washington Veterans Home at Retsil; and youth soccer and basketball. The lodge also supports the Elks Therapy Program for Children, which provides home-based occupational or physical therapy to children with developmental delays or physical disabilities. Services are provided at no cost to the family served, and provides critical one-on-one pediatric therapy for children most in need.
The Washington State Elks Association is a 101-year-old organization with 38 member Lodges within Washington State and more than 31,000 members. Its purpose is to unite all Elks in closer bonds of fraternity, promote the interests of the Order, exchange items beneficial to member Lodges, foster the virtues of Charity, Justice, Brotherly Love, and Fidelity, and further patriotic devotion to the principles of the United States of America.
The Bremerton Lodge was formed in 1910. Nationally, the Elks will celebrate 150 years in 2018. The Bremerton lodge plans to have a celebration and open house in June.
— Donna Etchey is general manager of Kitsap News Group. Contact her at detchey@soundpub lishing.com.
The ‘Special People’s Party’ was special indeed: The event featured dancing, a visit with Santa & Mrs. Claus, and lunch. (Donna Etchey/Kitsap News Group)
A couple dances at Bremerton Elks Lodge 1181’s 30th annual “Special People’s Party,” Dec. 17 at the Elks Lodge. (Donna Etchey/Kitsap News Group)
