Victimized by Robbery, Community Rallies to Help Elk Grove Lions Club

February 28, 2015 |

Clouds that were heavily cast on a local service club in January turned into a silver lining last night in Elk Grove.

At a gathering held at The Falls Event Center in Elk Grove, over 200 people attended a fundraiser benefiting the Elk Grove Lions Club. In January, the local branch of the international service organization was victimized by a robbery that resulted in the loss of their mobile cooking equipment that was valued at more than $20,000.

Event organizer Teresa Rodriguez thanks the participants

for their generosity assisting the Elk Grove Lions Club.

A fixture at charitable events in Elk Grove, the Lions loss of the equipment was a devastating blow to the club and the community. In response, several individuals sprung to action to raise funds to help the club recover.

Spearheading the effort was Elk Grove-based event planner Teresa Rodriguez and Connie Conley of Elk Grove Community Connection. Between them, and an army of volunteers, last night's guests enjoyed a Mexican-themed dinner and participated in raffles with prizes donated from dozens of local businesses.

"Any time people come together with a shared intention, it's a powerful thing," Conley said. "Our community came together for a combined intention for the Lions Club and the beautiful ballroom at The Falls was filled with magic."

In addition to the dozens of raffle prizes, local businesses such as La Cocina Taqueria, Full Throttle Music, Above & Beyond Cakes and Sinful Treats donated food and entertainment for the event. Local businesses and service clubs making direct cash donations included the Mikuni Foundation and Elk Grove Nissan & Infiniti who each gave $1,000 and the Elk Grove Optimist contributed $250. The venue at The Falls Event Center was also donated.     

The event raised net proceeds of $7,200 - easily beating the goal of $5,000. The Elk Grove Lions intends to use the funds to replace the equipment lost during the robbery.

"We are extremely grateful for the outpouring of love and support for the Elk Grove Lions Club at the fiesta fundraiser," Rodriguez said. "This is indicative of the local charities in our community. We band together in times of need."

A few of the dozens of volunteers pitching-in to help the

Elk Grove Lions club.

Elk Grove City Council Members Steve Detrick (l) and 

Darren Suen accept a contribution on behalf of the Elk Grove Lions.