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Lexington Moose Lodge No. 1700, which is celebrating its 70th anniversary this year, was recognized for their efforts with a visit from the chairman of the board of directors of Moose International, Bruce T. Masopust, on March 13.
During his visit, the chairman toured the lodge and expressed his sincere appreciation to the members for their hard work and dedication in supporting Mooseheart, Moosehaven and especially the local community.
Masopust was also honored to present donations from the Lexington Moose Lodge to several local organizations that included $1,000 to the Rockbridge County Sheriff’s Office for the National Child Safety Council, $500 to Project Horizon, $500 to the Mountain View Elementary School, $750 to the Rockbridge Crush 14U softball team and $750 to The Virginia Titans 8U baseball team. - The Lexington Lodge received its charter on March 29, 1953. It is an exciting time for the lodge, said a spokesperson. Membership has increased by nearly 60%, to more than 500 members, over the past 18 months and has raised tens of thousands of dollars for charitable donations.
The Lexington Moose Lodge raises money through its weekly bingo games that are open to the public, where all proceeds are donated back to the local community. The lodge also holds regular fundraisers throughout the year such as the upcoming yard sale on April 29, where anyone can purchase a spot to sell their items. This event is put on by the “Moose Riders” activity group made up of motorcyclists and supporters from the lodge membership.
The “Moose Riders” are also sponsoring their annual “Dice Run for Veterans” on June 10. There will be a ride through Rockbridge and the surrounding counties, finishing up at the Lexington Lodge where there will be food, raffles and entertainment. This year the “Moose Riders” are raffling off a new motorcycle. Over the past year, the Lexington Moose Lodge has donated nearly $50,000 to the local community. This past August four deserving seniors from the local high schools each received a $2,500 scholarship. The lodge also donates to the local first responders, food banks, shelters, and even little league sports. - The Loyal Order of Moose is an international fraternity, with lodges and family centers in the United States, Canada, and Great Britain. The Moose Fraternity is a charitable organization that donates millions of dollars per year. It also owns and operates a 1,000-acre campus 40 miles west of Chicago, Ill., called Mooseheart where orphaned and underprivileged children are fully cared for from birth through high school graduation.
In addition to taking care of children, the Moose fraternity takes care of its senior members. There is a retirement community located in Orange City, Fla., called Moosehaven, also referred to as “The City of Contentment.” A member who has reached “Lifetime” status and is 65 years of age or older may apply to live at Moosehaven where all expenses are paid for the remainder of the member’s life.
