By Ethan Jones
If you are ever searching for a place to feel connected or get more involved with your community, look no further than the Lake Wales Moose Lodge. On May 22nd, I had the pleasure of speaking with Mike Hayhurst and Dwayne, who have each been members of the Lake Wales Moose Lodge for over ten years. I asked them about the lodge’s mission and their involvement in the community.
I met Mr. Hayhurst and Dwayne at Kimber’s Bar & Grill, where they were representing the Lake Wales Moose Lodge as sponsors of Culpepper’s Cardiac Foundation, which was hosting an event that evening. Culpepper’s Cardiac Foundation is just one of the many organizations that the Moose Lodge supports throughout the year.
Mr. Hayhurst explained that the lodge is deeply committed to supporting the local community, more so than many other organizations. Their contributions are evident in the wide range of groups they help, including Lake Wales High School athletics, Nalcrest High School Softball, Shop With a Cop, Habitat for Humanity, the Veterans Association, and many more.
The Lake Wales Moose Lodge is dedicated to making a lasting impact, and their calendar is filled with charitable events. Upcoming efforts include hosting the Shop With a Cop event one week before Thanksgiving and another benefit for Culpepper’s Foundation in January.
At its core, the Lake Wales Moose Lodge—and the Moose Lodge national organization—has always been about making a difference. Since its inception, the national Moose Lodge has focused on caring for children and senior citizens, a mission it proudly continues to this day.
If you or someone you know is interested in joining, you can learn more at mooseintl.org. Membership is open to those who want to do more than just socialize—it’s about becoming part of a network that truly gives back to its community.
As Mr. Hayhurst puts it, “Once you come into your local lodge and become a member, it’s not just about socializing and drinking at the bar and having a good time. You then start to learn what it’s all about, and it’s really worth it once you get in there.”
One thing is certain: members like Mr. Hayhurst and Dwayne do an outstanding job representing the values of the Moose Lodge. They embody what it means to serve and support their community and are perfect examples of what it means to be part of the Lake Wales Moose Lodge.
