By Danielle Smith

Leader Staff Writer

Conversations were flowing while the laughs kept on growing at the Rochester North-Oakland Elks Lodge #2225 this past Saturday as they hosted 35 homeless veterans from Detroit for an afternoon of fun and food.

“The Elks are a patriotic group and we do a lot for the community and for the veterans,” said Kay Bittell, community and activities chairperson for the lodge. “When we say ‘veterans,’ people come out of the woodwork…we had probably between 20 and 25 helpers.”

The meal, consisting of fried chicken, mashed potatoes, gravy, vegetables and numerous desserts was all donated by locals and the Elks. Aside from the food donations, two individuals impersonating Rod Stewart and Garth Brooks, donated their time to entertain the crowd for the afternoon.

Along with the Elks, the veterans were visited by local residents and Cub Scout pack 366, who dedicated a bridge that the Elks and Scouts built together.

“(The atmosphere) was just happy,” Bittell said. “People were smiling; everybody sang the ‘Star Spangled Banner’ together which was really nice and everybody was laughing and having a really good time.”