The Seal Beach Chamber of Commerce, working with numerous local businesses, organizations and individuals held its 34th Annual Seal Beach Community Thanksgiving Dinner at St. Anne’s Church in Seal Beach on Thanksgiving Day, 2013.
The 34th Annual Seal Beach Chamber of Commerce Community Thanksgiving Dinner at St. Anne’s Church in Old Town was a huge success! We served more than 160 guests who would have otherwise had no one with whom to celebrate this special holiday. The planning began months in advance, as all of the food and supplies were donated by local businesses and individuals.
I am deeply touched by the generosity of the many volunteers and donors who have given so much of their time, energy and resources to make this Thanksgiving day one to remember for our guests and participants alike.
Seth Eaker, head chef of the dinner for the past six years, added, “This was by far the most successful and well attended Thanksgiving dinner to date. Our volunteers and in particular, kitchen team and restaurant and merchant supporters deserve special recognition. It has been a pleasure to serve, and I am delighted to pass the Chefs toque to Diana Bean as the new head chef of the event.”
Guests who needed a ride to the event received door-to-door transportation, provided by volunteer drivers, led by Jo Dawson of A Myriad of Ideas.
Our guests were greeted and photographed with The Miss Seal Beach Court, dressed as Pilgrims and Indians. The guests were given their photo in a lovely frame, along with a festive candle (both courtesy of Run Seal Beach) and a goody bag (with local donations collected at The Sun News). The combination of these generous gifts brought joyful tears to the eyes of several guests.
Once seated, guests were served the beverages of their choice and won over 65 prizes playing game after rousing game of BINGO!
Chair Deb Machen, President of MarketSnag welcomed all guests and thanked donors and volunteers for the selfless gift of their time, talent and treasure that made this heartwarming event possible.
Co-Chair Mary Ann Harvey, of Harvey Girls Gallery introduced her son-in-law, Tim Reid Jr., Youth Minister at St. Anne’s Church, who offered our invocation.
New to the event this year was the addition of live music, provided by Mike Harvey on drums and Tim Reid, Jr. on keyboard. 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 head chef Seth Eaker, this year’s Seal Beach Citizen of the Year, with help from Kitchen leads Diana and Gary Bean. With their guidance and experience, an unprecedented number of guests were all served hot, delicious meals in record time. This was due in large part to the organization and skills of our many volunteer servers, led by Kori DeLeon.
Our guests enjoyed turkey, ham, stuffing, mashed potatoes and gravy, rice, sweet potatoes, brussel sprouts, cranberry sauce, rolls and pumpkin pie. There was more than enough delicious food for all of our guests and volunteers and the leftovers were donated to Interval House. More than 75 volunteers, many of whom are Chamber members, came out to support the dinner and our community. This event couldn’t be done without all of the volunteer support and generous donations. My heart is full of gratitude for all who attended and/or supported our Community Thanksgiving Dinner this year and in years past. I am looking forward to chairing the event again next year and serving with our amazing donors and volunteers. Thank you Seal Beach, for making this a Thanksgiving for which to be truly thankful.
See page 7 for a list of donors to the dinner.
Deb Machen is the Thanksgiving Dinner chair and past president of the Seal Beach Chamber of Commerce and President of MarketSnag.
