Saturday, October 11, 2025 — The halls of Vacaville Moose Lodge 1967 were brimming with warmth, gratitude, and a spirit of community as friends, family, and members came together for a sold-out pasta feed fundraiser. The goal: to rally around the Luna family and their 15-year-old son, who is courageously battling stage 4 colon cancer. What transpired was a stirring example of small-town solidarity, compassion, and the powerful impact of many hearts working toward one cause.

From the moment doors opened, the lodge was filled with laughter, hugs, and the aroma of simmering sauce and fresh pasta. The Vacaville Junior Bulldog cheerleaders donned aprons and moved with purpose, serving heaping plates of spaghetti, garlic bread, salad, and more to every guest. Their energy and smiles kept spirits high as volunteers hustled behind the scenes.

In between courses, the crowd turned its attention to the raffle tables. Local businesses and donors had generously contributed dozens of prizes—gift baskets, restaurant gift cards, electronics, handcrafted items, and more. Tickets flew off tables, and excited murmurs echoed as winners were announced. A lively dessert auction followed: decadent cakes, pies, and specialty treats drew spirited bidding from a room already emotionally invested.

But the evening’s most poignant moment came when Matt Luna, father of the boy at the heart of this effort, rose to speak. His voice trembled at first, then steadied as he looked across the crowd. With tears in many eyes, he thanked coaches, friends, family, Moose Lodge members, and every volunteer who made the night possible. He spoke of the fear, uncertainty, and heartbreak his family has faced, and of how in this time of need, the community had shown up. “We don’t walk this road alone,” he said, pausing as the room fell silent. Not a dry eye remained as applause and hugs followed.

Behind the scenes, booth by booth, the lodge volunteers moved like clockwork: setting tables, clearing plates, cashing raffle tickets, managing the auction, coordinating with cheerleaders, and offering smiles and words of comfort to guests. Moose members, too, were in full force—greeting, serving, donating, and encouraging one another. Many families and longtime friends of the Luna’s came from near and far to show their support, reinforcing just how far this community’s love stretches.

As the evening drew to a close, it became clear that the fundraiser had not only met expectations—it soared past them. The final tally, still being tabulated at event’s end, reportedly exceeded the initial goals by a considerable margin. Plans are now in place for a ceremonial check presentation to the Luna family later this week, in front of community members who have become like extended family.

This night was never just about pasta or prizes. It was about standing together in adversity, giving what we can—time, money, compassion—and telling one family, loud and clear: you are not alone. The fundraising event at Moose Lodge 1967 will be remembered for the tears, the laughter, the fierce generosity, and above all, the love.

Special gratitude goes to every Moose Lodge volunteer who worked tirelessly, to the Vacaville Junior Bulldog cheerleaders for their cheerful service, to donors and raffle supporters, and to every attendee whose presence mattered more than words. The Luna family’s path is still hard, but after October 11, they walk it surrounded.

As everyone has seen, and heard of the Floods that hit Kerrville, Texas. The Texas Moose Association would like to extend its sincere appreciation to all MOOSE that went above the call and raised money for the Victims of this devastating disaster with all your heart felt contributions. It was so humbling to see all the donations from all our Associations, Lodges, Chapters, Moose Legions and Moose Riders arrive every day. We, the MOOSE Raised $64000.00 to the Texas Flood Fundraiser. The funds raised will be donated to the “Community Foundation of Texas – Flood Victim Families”. This truly shows how our Heart of the Community works for others in our community. We hope that all Moose are proud of how we all came together in time of need.

Hello Moose Family,

About 90% of those addressed in this email are Leaders in our great Moose Fraternity. Some of you have been members of our beloved fraternity for many years, and some are fairly new, wanting to make a positive difference in your lodge. We have undergone many changes in recent years and are still adapting and adjusting to this change. I would be lying if I said everything is “sunshine and daisies” in all the lodges, so rather than share this with a couple members, I find myself compelled to share this message with you all. When I first read this, I immediately thought about many of the passionate and selfless Moose leaders who — despite the adversities, negativity, and hardships – choose to persevere because they know and remind themselves of the greater good that they do as a result of their involvement in their leadership capacity. Other Moose members don’t always see the sacrifice that each of you make. As your Territory Manager, I want to share that I’ve been there, am still there, and understand.

Hang in there… know you are appreciated… let me know if you need help.  Below is a message written by Del Carcellar that I found, and shared on my personal Facebook page. I believe many of you could relate and appreciate the message, and the majority can especially relate to the last sentence, as I do.

God bless you and give you strength to continue to do great things for: Mooseheart – Moosehaven – Our Communities – Our Supportive Members.

It amuses me to think that your lodge spends so much time, looking for new members when I was there all the time.

Do you remember me? I’m the person that you asked to join, I paid my dues and was asked to be a loyal and faithful member.

I’m the person who came to every meeting but nobody paid any attention to me.

I tried to be friendly but everyone seemed to have their own friends to talk and sit with.

I sat with different people several times but they did not pay much attention to me.

I hoped somebody would ask me to join one of the committees or do something but no one did.

Finally, because of illness I missed a meeting. When I came back again no one asked me where I had been.

I guess it didn’t matter much whether I came or not.

Next time I decided to stay home and watch a good TV Show.

When I came back again no one asked where I was the month before.

You might say I’m a good person, fun loving and religious, You know what else I am?

THE MEMBER WHO NEVER CAME BACK!!!!!!