Fountain Hills Elks Lodge reopens across town after significant upgrades

By Cyrus Guccione
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Fountain Hills Elks Lodge #2846 has relocated from Parkview Avenue to 16726 E. El Pueblo Blvd.

The move was driven by the need for more space as the growing membership—now totaling 260—outgrew the previous location.

The new lodge is located on the north side of town, adjacent to Adobe Wine & Liquors.

“We’re growing leaps and bounds,” says the club’s Exalted Ruler Bill Pageau, who is responsible for the overall operation and management of the lodge. “We were looking for a bigger place than this actually but we took a vote and said, ‘Let’s do this.’”

The lodge made a significant investment in renovating the new 2,000 square-foot space, including new bathrooms, floors, ceiling and kitchen. The space includes four high tops, an open area that fits up to six round tables and a full bar.

The space was previously a restaurant/bar and the renovations were completed by lodge member Danny Boyce, who accepted no payment for his services.

Much of the furniture was brought over from the previous location, including the bar stools and the full-size shuffleboard table which gets good use at the lodge.

Reception from the members has been excellent, Pageau said, who will initiate 10 more members this Saturday.

Elks Growth

The reason for the consistent growth at Elks Lodge #2846 is simple: people are eager to support their community.

“People want to get involved,” says Jim Beischel, the lodge’s leading knight. “We’re not just a bar. We have a lounge for the enjoyment of our members, but that’s not what we’re all about.”

From supporting local youth through scholarships, children’s shopping sprees and running the concession stands at the Golden Eagle ball fields, Beischel says the Grand Lodge estimated the value of volunteer hours from Lodge #2846 at over $1 million since being chartered in 2006.

The Elks also supports veterans. Approximately 10% of the lodge’s members are veterans, and members have donated over 100 care packages this year to returning veterans and homeless veterans

The lodge also donates 25% of the proceeds from its St. Patrick’s Day sales to the upkeep of the Veterans Memorial, which recently celebrated 20 years on Memorial Day.

“If you want to give back to your community, this is where you can best do it,” Pageau said.

The Elks Lodge, now located at 16726 E. El Pueblo Blvd., meets the second and fourth Tuesday of the month at 6:30 p.m. To inquire about membership, visit elks.org/lodges/home.cfm?LodgeNumber=2846 or call 602-888-9081.

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