The MOMS Club of Seal Beach—Old Town partnered with The Hangout Restaurant and Beach Bar to raise money for their third annual Thanksgiving Food Drive for For The Child, an organization in Long Beach that assists abused and neglected children and their families.
“This year, we asked The Hangout to join us in our effort to provide Thanksgiving meals to families that otherwise might not be able to enjoy a holiday feast,” MOMS Club of Seal Beach—Old Town President Olaina Anderson said.
The restaurant donated 20% of the bill from patrons who brought in a flyer advertising the Dine Out for Dinners event on Mon., Oct. 21.
“We were able to raise $120 by eating out—and it was so much fun to see our club fill the restaurant with families having fun eating dinner together,” Anderson said.
Owners Aaron and Susan Kweskin matched the funds raised, donating a total of $240 to the MOMS Club, enabling Administrative Vice President Jen Rohdenburg, who is in charge of service projects, to purchase more food than she expected for families in need.
“When Ms. Anderson approached us to participate in this fundraiser it was an absolute no-brainer—easy and fun for us to help such a great cause. Count us in for next year!” Kweskin said.
“It was such a generous surprise to have a matching donation,” Rohdenburg said, “We didn’t expect that at all.”
Rohdenburg bargain shops for the food, finding name brand non-perishable goods on sale at local grocery stores, so that she can make every dollar stretch.
Children of the MOMS Club members brought food to the club’s Thanksgiving Food Drive Party, so they had the tangible experience of giving away foods that they eat with their families for the holiday.
“I think it’s important for my children to learn the importance of giving to others, especially during this time of year. The MOMS Club always does wonderful service projects that are great to be a part of,” MOMS Club member Rachelle Abing said.
Rohdenburg estimates that $100 worth of food was donated along with personal cash donations, enabling the Old Town chapter to donate almost $500 worth of food to For the Child to distribute to the families of the abused and neglected children whom they serve.
“We are so fortunate to live in a community so abundantly blessed; I am grateful that we are able to assist families that can use some help to give their children a nutritious, traditional meal on Thanksgiving,” Anderson said.
For more information about the club, email momscluboldtown@yahoo.com.
