News release
Santa Clarita Elks Lodge hosted a veterans luncheon recently with almost 80 guests, comprised of approximately 45 veterans who enjoyed a complimentary meal and dessert.
The Feb. 7 afternoon featured heartfelt presentations and camaraderie, said a news release from the Elks.
This yearly event provides a gathering and celebrates how the Elks Lodge supports veterans. Many Elk members are veterans, the release said.
Donna Kiger, representing the nonprofit Quilts of Valor organization, spoke about the group’s mission and then surprised Dale Turner, a Vietnam veteran who served in both the Army and Marines, with a handcrafted quilt in recognition of his service.
Turner, an Elk member, is co-chair of the Veterans Committee.
Entertainment was provided by the Santa Clarita Veterans Guitar Alliance, a local volunteer group whose teachers and students, as well as some Elk members, performed throughout the luncheon.
During a break in the music, Jeannette Fisher, the Elks Veterans Committee co-chair, presented Tom Lamog and Bruce Geiger, co-founders of the Guitar Alliance, with seven brand new guitars and accessories.
The alliance is a new organization that provides guitar lessons — in person or remotely — to veterans and provides a complimentary guitar kit when they complete a 10-week course. These musical instruments were funded through an Elks Gratitude Grant and the Elks Veterans Committee.