The Elk’s Lodge #213 brings so much more to our community than just a historic building. It is a place where neighbors come together, families share meals, and children grow up. Elks invest in our community through programs that help children grow up healthy and drug-free, by undertaking projects that address unmet needs, and by honoring the service and sacrifice of our veterans.  Lodge #213 is deeply rooted in York’s history and played a significant role in the happenings of days gone by including the American Civil War, the Underground Railroad, and the start of the Industrial Revolution. Today, members of Lodge #213 annually organize our local Flag Day ceremony and conduct social events and fundraisers to support many local nonprofit organizations.

 

With this long standing tradition of community service, the idea of supporting The Four Diamonds Fund through the Friends of Blair: Mangia Meatball Challenge was a natural and exciting decision. 

 

Over the years, a meatball cook-off was often discussed.  However, it wasn’t until Elks member Michele Fallon bragged about her superior meatballs on Facebook and her friend Cecilia Hofmann  responded that perhaps her (well-known and respected) meatballs were better, that  the idea of an Elks-sponsored Friends of Blair: Mangia Meatball Challenge was finally put on the front burner!!

 

Members of Elk’s Lodge #213, specifically Shelly Fallon, Kim Deachilla and Lori and Joe DeMarco have earned reputations for the superb taste of their meatballs. Each of these York, PA “Meatball Masters” claim that the authentic Italian meatball recipe passed down through generations by their Nona is “the best.”  As word of the Challenge spread, another popular Meatball Master and member of The Sons of Italy, George Miliziano, along with Blair’s grandmother, Sally Kursar joined in to add more spice to the mix!

 

The Mangia Meatball Challenge is being held in memory of Blair Peters, son of Lodge member Suzanne Petry and Dr. Gregg Peters. Blair died on July 29, 2012, at the age of 22 of Ewing's Sarcoma.  Blair loved Cecilia’s and Sally’s meatballs and, while Blair never had the opportunity to taste Shelly’s meatballs or those of our other Meatball Masters, you can do so in his honor while helping other children and their families affected by pediatric cancers.