McMinnville Elks Lodge Sponsors Saturday Breakfast!
Photo Credit: Hannah Spenner
At Saturday Morning Breakfast in Mac, our mission is powered by people and partners who believe that nourishment is about dignity, consistency, and showing up for one another. We are proud to recognize the McMinnville Elks Lodge as a Saturday Sponsor and to celebrate Vernon Popowski, who is not only a member of the Elks, but also a valued volunteer within our program.
What Does McMinnville Elks Lodge Do?
The Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks (BPOE), commonly known as the Elks Lodge or simply “The Elks,” is an American fraternal organization founded in 1868. Originally established as a social club, the organization has grown to include more than 1,900 local lodges across the United States and operates as a 501(c)(8) fraternal benefit order.
The Elks were founded to promote and practice the four cardinal virtues of Charity, Justice, Brotherly Love, and Fidelity while enhancing the well-being of members, cultivating patriotism, and encouraging fellowship within communities.
Today, Elks members continue that mission through generous charitable giving, scholarships, grants, and support for local youth and veterans’ programs throughout their communities and across the state.
At its heart, the organization is about people coming together to care for one another, support those in need, and create a welcoming environment rooted in service, connection, and community pride.
More than a Sponsor
What makes this partnership especially meaningful is the personal commitment behind it. Vern doesn’t just support SMB financially; he shows up for the community!
As both an Elks member and SMB volunteer, Vern contributes his time, energy, and compassion directly alongside our team and guests. Whether assisting with food preparation, front-end duties, or supporting guests during breakfast service, his presence reflects a deep understanding that community care is strongest when it is hands-on.
His consistent volunteerism embodies the heart of what SMB is all about: neighbors helping neighbors; not just once, but regularly. We’re incredibly grateful for Vern’s support and for the opportunity to partner with such a community-minded organization. Without Vern, this sponsorship connection may never have happened, and we deeply appreciate the impact he and the Elks continue to make in McMinnville.
Join Us in Feeding McMinnville, Oregon
Are you a local business, organization, family, or group aiming to make a huge impact? A sponsor helps cover the cost of one Saturday breakfast—providing hot meals, operations, volunteer assistance, community connection, resources, and support for families, students, seniors, and individuals facing food insecurity.
If you’re interested in becoming a Saturday Sponsor or sponsoring in other ways, we’d love to hear from you.
View our sponsorship program here →
View our community partners here! →
Why Table Talk 101?
Awareness is the first step toward action. The Table Talk 101 Blog Series and our accompanying social media series are designed to:
Educate the community about issues like hunger and poverty.
Share updates on SMB’s programs and events.
Highlight resources available to those in need.
Inspire action—volunteering, donating, or spreading the word.
Just like the conversations you might have while sitting down to a shared meal, we hope Table Talk 101 will create a space for dialogue, learning, and connection.
How You Can Get Involved
Read and Share → by following our weekly posts on the Table Talk 101 Blog and share them on social media to raise awareness.
Volunteer → by joining us on Saturdays to serve meals and connect with neighbors.
Support the sustainability of SMB → by becoming a Saturday Sponsor and providing tools and nourishment to hundreds of local people.
We can break the cycle of food insecurity and build a stronger, healthier community where everyone has a seat at the table! Stay tuned for next week’s Table Talk 101 post, where we’ll explore more about how food insecurity affects children and families—and what we can all do to help.