Elks' Lodge Newport Beach
By: Jessica Susolik
The Elks Lodge was started in New York City in 1868 by Charles Vivian, a comic singer and dancer. Mr. Vivian started the Elks Lodge as a benevolent and protective organization when a friend passed away shortly before Christmas, leaving the wife and children destitute. Creating fun and entertaining benefit performances to serve those in need turned out to be a popular activity and news of the organization quickly spread and membership grew. Today there are 2,100 Elks Lodges nationwide, including one in Newport Beach.
A steadfast pillar of the local community for over a century, the Newport Beach Elks Lodge is committed to charitable and philanthropic efforts supporting veterans, children in need, and local charities through various fundraisers and events. From providing scholarships to high school students and organizing food drives during the holidays, Newport Beach Elks Lodge is dedicated to making a positive impact, having raised nearly $200,000 last year alone. The success of this club is the result of dedicated volunteers running the organization, including bussing tables and cooking in the kitchen. The current Exalted Ruler is Oscar Aranda, who advises that although volunteering is encouraged, “there is no requirement. We don’t want to pressure anyone to feel obligated here. We believe every member has their own purpose and we are a family here. We are a tight-knit family.”
This tight-knit family hosts activities six nights a week, all with the purpose of raising money for charitable organizations. On Monday nights, you can find a member “guest chef” in the kitchen serving up family favorites to the club for a special dinner menu. Wednesdays are trivia night, Thursday nights are steak and karaoke and Fridays live music. Saturdays boast a $5 BBQ and Sundays a funday brunch. All events are FAMILY friendly as young families have become an integral part of this lodge.
A unique part of this lodge is the junior Elks program club called Antlers. The objectives of the Antlers include, “to teach respect for parents and love of home, to inculcate the fundamentals of good citizenship, to aid in a worthy cause, and to establish foundation of character.” Elk’s.org Antlers membership is open to any individual between the ages of 12-20 who is a citizen of the United States, has good character and believes in God. The Antlers meet and decide what service events they want to create and host, such as a girl scout cookie buyout, flag folding, thank you cards for vets or veterans bingo.
Another distinctive offering at the Elks Club of Newport Beach is its Yacht Club. As the only Elks Yacht Club in Southern California, it is a “unique organization that raises significant money for many different charities, including Patriots & Paws, Human Options, Guide Dogs for the Blind, and Beyond Blindness. For example, the Elks Club recently raised $8,600 for Beyond Blindness. Likewise, the Duffy Rally will benefit Olive Crest” RJ Green, Yacht Club Commodore. The Yacht Club also hosts social events with other local Newport Beach yacht clubs.
Inclusivity and service are the foundation of this fraternal organization, with hundreds of thousands of members across the country giving millions in scholarships and to charities. Although a belief in God and a love of country are tenants of this organization, religion and politics are not discussed at the club, making this organization one that welcomes people from any faith and political party.
As the Newport Beach Elks Lodge continues to evolve and modernize, the membership remains a steadfast guardian of tradition. It reminds us of how important community, charity, and fellowship are in an increasingly fast-paced tech-filled world. The Lodge is more than a building or social club; it is a testament to the power of a community dedicated to giving back and making a positive difference in our world. Walking inside the Newport Beach Elks Lodge is like entering a time capsule of tradition and friendship. The lodge itself, with classic architecture and rich history, will be upgraded beginning in April 2024 to include new social quarters and a sundeck. As explained by Bryan Baker, the Building Chairman and former Exalted Ruler, “It’ll be a really nice place for people to come after a hard day of doing great, benevolent, charitable work. They can come back here to relax and be social.”
This incredible club is a hub of activity, service, friendship, and FUN! Check the website to find out how to join.