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Elks Lodge #1055 in Longmont is hosting their annual Charity Masquerade Ball on October 20 and this year it is open to the public.

In the past the ball has been a private event, however, "we have raised money for many different organizations within the Longmont community over the years and this is the first year that we are opening up this event to the public," says Issac Olson, Elks Lodge member and advocate.

"We believe in supporting our community and helping out in any way possible. The Elks foundation was founded on "...the four cardinal virtues of Charity, Justice, Brotherly Love and Fidelity..." noting that Charity is of top importance."

This year the Elks Lodge is raising money to support the Giving Tree, Laradon Hall, and the Weld and Boulder County food banks. According to Olson,

Our giving tree is for our members to leave names of families that may need a little extra help around the Holidays and we also do a Christmas party for the residents at Brookdale Senior Living Center each year.  We receive their names with a few items listed for Christmas presents and several members go to the center and sing Christmas carols and hand out the presents.

Laradon Hall is the Colorado Elks Major Project and all the Lodges in Colorado help with this organization.  It is a facility located in Denver that provides housing and schooling for the mentally and physically challenged.  The residents at Laradon range from infants to adults that receive assistance in matters of living including job placement, assisted living, and schooling.  There are students within the St. Vrain Valley School District that are transported to the school and that they work with on a daily basis.

We provide fresh food and meats to the Weld County and Boulder County food banks during and after the holiday season.  The biggest time of need is right after the holidays, and we believe that this is when our help can be most utilized.

The event will be held at the Elks Lodge Ballroom located at 306 Coffman St., Longmont. Click here for more information and to buy tickets.

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