The Seal Beach Chamber of Commerce, working with numerous local businesses, organizations and individuals held its 40th Annual Seal Beach Community Thanksgiving Dinner at St. Anne’s Church in Old Town, Seal Beach on Thanksgiving Day, 2019.
This year’s dinner was a huge success, with over 140 guests served, who would have otherwise had no one with whom to celebrate this special holiday. The planning began months in advance, as all the food and supplies were donated by local businesses, organizations and individuals, led by Papa D of Ferguson Realty.
Guests who needed a ride to the event received door-to-door transportation, provided by volunteer drivers from the Seal Beach Lions, led by Mu Zhang of Encore Awards.
Guests were greeted (led by Laura Ellsworth of Company Books) and photographed with the Miss Seal Beach Court, dressed in festive attire and led by Rosie Ritchie. The delighted attendees received their photo in a lovely frame (courtesy of Run Seal Beach). This fun and fanciful gift brought joyful tears to the eyes of several guests.
Once seated, diners were served the beverages of their choice and won lots of prizes, donated by El Burrito, Jr. and Temecula Olive Oil Company, playing game after rousing game of BINGO, led by Lisa Landau.
This year, live music was provided by Cheryl Loofborrow on flute, accompanied by her daughter, Jenae on guitar. This, along with a beautifully decorated room created a cheerful holiday ambiance, enjoyed by guests and volunteers alike.
The kitchen ran seamlessly, led again by Joey Ingalls, with help from a hand selected kitchen team. With their guidance and experience, an unprecedented number of guests were all served hot, delicious meals in a timely fashion. This was due in large part to the organization and skills of our many volunteer servers, led by Kori DeLeon of RTI Insurance Services and current Chamber President.
Happy guests enjoyed a traditional Thanksgiving dinner and there was more than enough delicious food for volunteers. Leftovers were donated to the Casa Youth Shelter, delivered by Rabih Harfouche of BlueSea Care. Grateful guests brought boxes full of canned and dried food for our food drive to benefit Mary’s Path.
More than 40 volunteers, many of whom are Chamber members and Seal Beach Lions, came out to support the dinner and the community. This event couldn’t be done without all of the volunteer support and generous donations, as well as the support and hard work and dedication of event Chair, Tim Way, Co-Chair Karen Kuns, Naomi Way and Chamber Admin McKenze Treasure. The Seal Beach Chamber would like to thank all who attended and/or supported this year’s Community Thanksgiving Dinner.
Donors this year, in no particular order, included: Finbars Italian Kitchen, Jim Klisanin, RTI Insurance, Fresh Cut Creative, The Sun News, Golden Rain News, The Abbey, O’Malley’s On Main, Ladies of the Evening (LOTE), Clancy’s, Bay Hardware, Bogart’s Coffee House, 320 Main, Pete Amundson, Glory Days Beachside Grill, Bistro St. Germaine, Dr. Oaxaca, Hennessey’s, Starbucks, McDonalds, Javatini’s Coffee, Be The Good, Pavilions, Simple Green, The California Cottage, Merrill’s Pizza, Malainey’s Grill, American Beachside Brokers, City of Seal Beach staff, The Hang Out, Walt’s Wharf, Peir Side Press and countless chamber members who donated cash anonymously at breakfast meetings.
Thank you, Seal Beach, for making this a Thanksgiving for which we can all be truly thankful!
