An expected 19 vendors and retailers will offer their products and merchandise for sale.

By Michael  BRUER

Those looking for an opportunity to get some Christmas shopping done early this season can do so while supporting a great cause. The Elks Lodge fundraiser is being held Saturday, Nov. 16 from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Half of the proceeds from the fundraising event will be donated to support youth activities in the area, including Little League, soccer, Boy Scouts, drug awareness, scholarships and holiday food and gift baskets. The other half of the money raised will be donated to Prom Plus, an organization dedicated to providing a safe alternative to after-prom parties each year.

Prom Plus was founded in response to the death of Berlyn Cosman, a Crescenta Valley High School student murdered in 1991 at an unsupervised, after prom party held at a hotel. Prom Plus enters its 20th year of service this year, and has provided high school students with a wide variety of post prom activities over the years. These include a full casino, pool tables, Ping Pong, photo booths, gyroscope, mechanical bull, rock climbing wall, music, dancing, food court, and even a zipline.    Admission to Prom Plus by CV seniors and their guests is included in the price of a prom ticket, prompting the organization to participate in diverse fundraising events to accrue the necessary money needed to put on the event (in excess of $20,000). This is the first year that Prom Plus will be benefiting from the fundraising efforts of the Elks Lodge, a partnership that is sure to be of great help to both entities.

Numerous vendors and retailers will be on hand Saturday morning to sell their merchandise. A total of 19 different booths are expected to be present at the event, selling products that range from craft items to clothing to food. The event also features a 50/50 cash drawing as well as gift baskets from local merchants. Organizers are anticipating another successful event, given the results of years past.

Current exalted ruler (president) Joe Allen said, “We have had great success with this event. We do it every year, and not only do we raise funds for our youth, but it is good for the community too – it provides a solid early shopping opportunity for the holiday season.”

All are welcome to participate in the fundraiser and peruse the offerings at the Glendale Elks Lodge, located 120 E. Colorado St. in Glendale, at the corner of Brand and Colorado. Plenty of parking will be available for the public, as well as food for sale.

For more information on the efforts of Prom Plus, visit their website www.promplus.org. More information on the Glendale Elks Lodge and their fundraiser can be found at www.elks.org and typing in lodge #1289.

  Michael BRUER