Debbi Swanson Patrick and Elks Esquire Joe Gonzales at the Pasadena Elks Lodge Inaugural Ball. [Courtesy photo]
Elks Officers and District Leaders in attendance at the Pasadena Elks Lodge Inaugural Ball. [Courtesy photo]
Exalted Ruler Laura Faillos of the Pasadena Elks [Courtesy photo]
Guests at the Pasadena Elks Lodge Inaugural Ball. [Courtesy photo]
Leading Knight Matt Stadtler and his wife at the Pasadena Elks Lodge Inaugural Ball. [Courtesy photo]
Exalted Ruler Laura Faillos and her daughter at the Pasadena Elks Lodge Inaugural Ball. [Courtesy photo]
Trustee Bob Harrison and wife Patti at the Pasadena Elks Lodge Inaugural Ball. [Courtesy photo]
Members and dance instructors Mike Pavese and Kathy Spencer at the Pasadena Elks Lodge Inaugural Ball. [Courtesy photo]
Loyal Knight Wayne Hammack (right) and wife Nicole (rear) with a group of friends at the Pasadena Elks Lodge Inaugural Ball. [Courtesy photo]
Member of the band at the Pasadena Elks Lodge Inaugural Ball. [Courtesy photo]
Guests at the Pasadena Elks Lodge Inaugural Ball. [Courtesy photo]
The Pasadena Elks Lodge recently hosted the Lodge’s annual Inaugural Ball, welcoming over 150 guests to celebrate new Exalted Ruler Laura Faillos and her corps of officers.
Attendees arrived in black-tie attire, enjoying a red-carpet entrance, appetizers, and cocktails.
Exalted Ruler Faillos was sworn in and delivered a speech emphasizing the theme of “New Beginnings” for the year.
“The Lodge has undergone major changes since COVID, has entirely new management and much-needed improvements are underway,” says Faillos. “Long delayed restoration is beginning on the 1912 Myron Hunt building and we are planning a full slate of events for the next year, including reopening for lunch and being open more nights during the week. We invite the public to visit the Lodge and explore membership at the most historic Elks Lodge in the Los Angeles/San Gabriel area.”
The corps of officers were introduced, pledging their commitment to the lodge’s values and mission.
Exalted Ruler Laura Faillos joined her corps of officers including Secretary Sonia Solis of Los Angeles, Treasurer Susan Kinney of Pasadena, Loyal Knight Wayne Hammack of Pasadena, Lecturing Knight Joe Gonzales of Los Angeles, Leading Knight Matt Stadtler of Pasadena, Chaplain Richard Xifo of Los Angeles, Esquire Joe Gonzales of Los Angeles, Organist/Pianist Eric Eckstrand of Los Angeles, and Inner Guard David Miranda of Los Angeles.
The Board of Trustees include Javier Ramos of Los Angeles, Bob Harrison of Pasadena, Wolfgang Kupka of Pasadena, William Fiechter of Altadena (a third generation Elk), and Debbi Swanson Patrick of Altadena
Local band Everyday People provided lively music, filling the dance floor with energetic guests.
The Benevolent Protective Order of Elks was founded in 1862 and among its charitable purposes is providing scholarships and supporting education. The California-Hawaii Elks Major Project, Inc. This unique program funds 32 paid therapists and preschool vision screeners, hired by CHEMPI, to help disabled children when no other organizations can or will. These CHEMPI professional therapists and preschool vision screeners travel, sometimes great distances, to help children get care they need.
The Pasadena Elks, established in 1901, and housed in the Myron Hunt-designed lodge since 1912, provides annual contributions to several local charities that help children and families as well as high school students heading to college, and elementary school students who participate in our Americanism essay program.
