The Vikings of Solvang were not founded here; they came to Solvang and the Santa Ynez Valley as an offshoot of the original Vikings group, founded around 1950 at Scandia Restaurant on the Sunset Strip in Los Angeles. The Scandia (Los Angeles) Vikings began as a social gathering of regulars at the famed restaurant, which featured Danish fare, and counted many notable citizens from the entertainment, sports, and business community. The group grew into a more formal organization and began traditions of charitable fundraising and community support for medical needs. For instance, a biannual blood drive held at the restaurant regularly drew over 200 donors, including members and non-members alike, and gathered thousands of pints of blood for the local Red Cross. That tradition, and others, like each member having their own personalized glass to use during Vikings meetings, became key components of the Vikings of Solvang.

OUR FOUNDERS

Founders Vince Evans, Bob Gleason, and Ray Paasky were members of the L.A. Vikings and brought the idea of a Viking Chapter here. A group of men, all of whom were active in Valley events and promotions at the time, were invited to become Vikings. Vikings in the founding group who remained active for many years include Richard Christenson, Paul Hanberg, Bob Gleason, Gary Jensen, Bob Raleigh, and Bill Shalhoob.

Each year, more men become Vikings willing to help those in need in our community and enjoy the company of fellow Vikings. In those days, when members became Vikings, they received a full set of Viking-decorated buttons to sew onto their blue blazer jacket, the group's “uniform.” New Vikings also received a label with the Vikings emblem and, most importantly, a glass with their name and membership date emblazoned on it. “A Viking shall drink from nothing but his Viking glass when in the Viking halls.” The buttons and label pin are no longer presented, but the glass lives on!!

The Vikings' philanthropic work also began immediately: from 1976 to 1979, the newly formed group contributed $76,000 to help folks in need of medical care and to establish a room at the SYV Recovery Residence. That giving and outreach to help others, from children to adults, continues today, as the Vikings of Solvang have contributed over $ 3 million to help those in need and meet various medical needs in homes and care facilities.

Another event central to the Vikings is the annual Children’s Christmas Party held at the Marriott Hotel in Buellton. The event has grown from hosting a handful of local children with special needs to currently serving nearly 1000 guests, including the children, their caregivers, and their families.

Each Viking contributes to the Endowment Fund, and people in our Valley community have given the organization wonderful gifts to the Endowment Fund. Vikings pay an annual fee that goes in part to the Endowment Fund, to the Children’s Christmas party, and to the operational expenses of the organization. Vikings also contribute a small amount to the “Fallen Viking” memorial upon the passing of a member to “Valhalla.” This supports the endowment, which generates income that enables Vikings to remain a viable organization.

Each year, a Council of Chiefs is convened for the purpose of recommending members who have made extra efforts on behalf of the Vikings to become “Gold Cuppers.” Gold Cuppers serve as the organization's board of directors. They meet once a month, usually on the first Tuesday, and conduct the business mainly brought to them by the Charity Committee. Gold Cuppers then decide on a course of action for each situation. Anyone can ask for assistance, and all Vikings are encouraged to seek out anyone with medically related financial difficulties.