CL Association of Men makes two donations

Two checks were presented to area charities recently by The Canyon Lake Association of Men (CLAMS). The club spends each year fundraising for select charitable organizations in and around Southwest Riverside County.

4 Paws 4 Patriots and Peppermint Ridge were both presented with donation checks last week by members of the club.

Club members Randy and Mavis Schutz visited the property housing the 4 Paws 4 Patriots organization just off of Scott Road in Menifee to make a CLAMS donation. Tim LeBlanc, a veteran, and his wife Reta LeBlanc, sold their Canyon Lake home to devote their entire lives to the Disabled American Veteran organization.

The 4 Paws 4 Patriots facility has training grounds and hosts classes for veterans and the veterans’ dogs with the goal of creating service dog teams. The organization offers classes three times a week at the facility.

“We take the veterans and dogs to various locations off property to train the dogs to adjust to many situations, including loud noises, opening doors, etc.,” Tim said.

The veterans come from all over Southern California to participate in the program.

Hugh Wagoner, CLAMS, presents a donation check to Tracy Mauser, the Director of Major Gifts and Scholarships for Peppermint Ridge. The Canyon Lake club made the donation to support the charity work the facility offers to those with intellectual disabilities. Photo provided by CLAMS.

“What this organization does for our veterans with PTSD is just remarkable,” Mavis said. “Randy and I truly believe in the work they are doing. Randy is a VietNam Veteran and served in the Marine Corps.”

CLAMS member and three-time president Hugh Wagoner presented a donation check to Peppermint Ridge, an organization that helps individuals with intellectual disabilities.

“Our granddaughter, who lives in Canyon Lake, started working at ‘The Ridge’ about five years ago and their good work caught our attention,” Hugh said. “Our family has personally given donations to the organization along with the CLAMS.”

Peppermint Ridge was established in 1959 and is located on Magnolia Avenue in Corona. One hundred percent of all the donations given out by the CLAMS organization come from residents of Canyon Lake, Mavis said.

All Canyon Lake men are welcome to become a member of CLAMS. Mark Inkrote can be contacted regarding membership at canyonlakeclams@gmail.com or 951-318-2054.