The evening of entertainment will benefit Closter Recreation Department's Closter Challenger League and Allendale's Camp Acorn, two organizations that assist children living with disabilities, as well as the Billy Kayser Memorial Foundation, which provides annual scholarships for Pearl River High School graduates in memory of an alumnus and sports lover who died 12 years ago in a car accident.
"I was first drawn to the lodge, because of the sports programs. My siblings, too, were heavily involved," said James Ricciutti, the Elks' exalted ruler.
Ricciutti was raised in Closter and has been involved in the Elks organization at state and local levels. The organization makes it its mission to support youth causes and recreation.
More than 110 people registered to dine on Nightingale Catering's beefsteak and be entertained by Joe DeVito and other comedians.
"We didn't have it last year, but we brought it back this year. My personal goal is to raise $2,500 that will be split between the three organizations," said Rich Martin, a lodge member and event organizer. "It's part of our mission to support kids. They need bats, balls and other equipment."
The lodge not only host dinners to benefit kids, but events to entertain veterans.
"This particular lodge has donated rooms to non-profits whenever they can so they always give us space to work with. said Cyd Coughlin, an associate who runs the women's cancer support program, Tennis For Life. "A number of members have bought our raffle tickets at events, so they are very supportive."
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