A great big thank you to Ralph Shelton for accompanying me to the Anaheim White House Restaurant on August 30! Why were we there? The chef/owner of the White House Restaurant, Bruno Serato, is well known throughout Orange County. Not only does he provide local patrons with exquisite ambiance and culinary delights, he is also well-known for providing free meals daily to hundreds of hungry, “motel-kids”.

This particular evening hundreds of representatives from local charities were there (mandatory attendance) eagerly waiting to hear their names announced as one of the winners of a “luncheon for 100 guests”. These luncheons will be provided by Bruno and his staff as a fundraiser for those charities whose names would be called to receive one of 50 luncheons to be held on Wednesdays for the next three years! Yes, CNN cameras were there. TV journalist Ed Arnold was there. Bruno had been calling out the names of charities and was now nearing the middle of the year 2013. We had been standing for 2 hours! We could not leave – that would forfeit our spot – IF we were selected.

Do you think we “won” one of those luncheons? Would you like to read the letter I submitted? You bet we did!!! And our entry letter is attached. Save the date for an exclusive lunch in 2013!

Congratulations also goes to Bob McNamara who submitted an entry on behalf of the Anaheim Meals on Wheels! And won a luncheon, too!

We are growing a wonderful reputation throughout the county – which means we are growing a longer waiting list and have many inquiries weekly. We are very much in need of help with some of our administrative tasks, such as taking and making phone calls, making copies, filing, and making folders. Our educational workshop fundraiser is in 2 months, and we will also need help in taking registrations, listing checks, and answering questions. I hope there are a few lucky people who can volunteer a couple of hours per day at the Center! And those lucky people will be us – your staff!

Please accept my gratitude for all the support you give to our families!

Gina, Ruth and Fardowsa