Hundreds gather for Rancho Bernardo Thanksgiving Luncheon
By Elizabeth Marie Himchak
A 24-year tradition continued on Tuesday when 380 Rancho Bernardo residents, business leaders, civic volunteers and a few politicians gathered to collectively express gratitude for their blessings.
The Rancho Bernardo Thanksgiving Luncheon was mostly filled with tradition, a few new aspects and a bit of nostalgia when a video of the late Jack Mitchell playing “God Bless America” on his trumpet concluded the event in the Rancho Bernardo Inn’s Aragon Ballroom.
The luncheon is a way not only for community members to visit with one another at the start of the holiday season, but opportunity for the Rancho Bernardo Community Foundation to raise money for RB’s more than $1.5 million endowment and the annual grants program.
This year, $53,875 in grants were distributed to 20 organizations serving Rancho Bernardans of all ages.
According to Marty Judge, the luncheon’s chairman, the event also attracted all ages, with the youngest attendee being 8 years old and the most senior being a 96-year-old.
“From the comments I heard from people while leaving, it seemed to be an outstanding success,” Judge said. “We built on the success of previous years’ positive trend and expect to continue that through the next decade.”
According to Judge, attendance was higher this year, with 380 gathering, up from the 344 during last year’s luncheon.
Rep. Scott Peters was among political dignitaries present, who said Rancho Bernardo is the only community in the county that gathers in this fashion. He also took time to thank current and former military personnel who put themselves in harm’s way to protect Americans’ freedoms.
In his first turn as master of ceremonies, City Councilman Mark Kersey said, “I go to a lot of events ... (and) this really is a one-of-a-kind event.”
RB Idol finalist Samantha Belgum entertained with a soulful rendition of “Over the Rainbow” and RB Gold Idol winner Alice Dodd followed up by singing “Summertime.” Pianist John Hawkins also performed.
The greatly expanded silent auction returned, while the first-time addition of a live auction featured a 12-hour yacht outing plus meals for six along San Diego Bay. The opportunity offered by Richard House will occur on the last night of the Parade of Lights on Dec. 15. It sold for $2,000.
Foundation Vice President Jeff Shea announced the foundation is adding a new component to its fundraising endeavors — annual memberships starting at $500 that, if like those at nearby community foundations, has great potential for larger grant presentations in the future.
[gallery]
