Photos courtesy of Frank Simpson
What a lot of smiling faces in a packed to capacity Veterans Memorial Building this March for the 2014 Petaluma Food Festival, a benefit for upcoming Project Graduation for not just one, but four Petaluma area high schools.
As fundraisers go, this one tops the delicious list for sampling all sorts of tastes and flavors from restaurants, cafes, caterers and grocery stores around Petaluma's artisan food-rich town and country.
Presented for the past 20 years by The Petaluma Host Lions Club, proceeds from the Petaluma Food Festival help to significantly fund a series of outstanding safe and sober graduation overnight events for graduating seniors from Petaluma, Casa Grande, St. Vincent's and Tomales High Schools.
So much great food paired to perfection with a friendly welcome, beer and wine from Lagunitas Brewing Co, Petaluma Hills Brewing, Harvest Fair Library Wines, Paul Hobbes Winery and Classic Wines of California.
My favorite part of the evening is the chance to hear the high schools' big bands live on stage. These talented young musicians raised the rafters at the 2014 event.
Because they deserve a round of applause for their generosity, the following list represents those in the community who continue to support this wonderful event by donating and showcasing their food, time, service and other refreshments:
Angelo's Italian Taste - Whole Roast Pig with Foccacia Bread
Bert's Desserts - Handmade Candy
Beyond the Glory - Pulled Pork Sliders
Bovine Bakery - Assorted Cookies and Bars
Carribean Spices - Seafood Gumbo, Jerk Chicken, Shrimp and Rice
Everest Indian Restaurant - Apricot Chicken, Vegetable Jelfrezy
Forget Me Not Cakes - Layer Cake
Fourth & Sea - Fish and Chips
High Tech Burrito - Taco Bar
Jimmy's Catering Company - Pork Ribs
Lily Kai - Chicken Chow Mein and Chinese Specialties
Lombardi's Gourmet Deli and Barbecue - Asiago Pasta, Pulled Chicken Sandwiches
Old Chicago Pizza Delivery - Pizza
Palm's Grill - Gourmet Chicken Salad
Petaluma 7/11 Lions Club - Corn Chowder
Petaluma Coffee and Tea - Brewed Coffee and Tea
Petaluma Creamery - Ice Cream Sundae Bar
Petaluma Market Cheese Department - Assorted Cheeses
Preferred Sonoma Caterers - Roasted Pork Sandwich
Real Doner - Baklava
Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory - Caramel Apples, Double Chocolate Fudge
Rooster Run Event Center - Sausage, Spinach and Cheese Stuffed Mushrooms
Sax's Joint - Corned Beef Hash, Chicken and Biscuits
Seared Steak and Seafood/McNears - Creamed Spinach, Macaroni and Cheese
Sheila's Naturals - Gourmet Burritos
Sonoma County Poultry - Liberty Duck Breast
Sweet Rose Desserts - Chocolate Truffles, Lemon Bars
Taps Restaurant - Pulled Pork Sliders
Trader Joe's Market - Assorted Bruschetta
Viva Cocolat - European Sipping Chocolate
Thanks too, to Fishman Supply, Gatti Nursery, Lace House Linen, Pangea Silkscreen, Field to Family Natural Foods, Project Grad Committees at each school. High School bands and music teachers.
The Petaluma Host Lions Club, formed in 1964, meets at Rooster Run Golf Club Wednesdays at noon.
In 1917, a 38-year-old Chicago business leader named Melvin Jones, told members of his local business club they should reach beyond business issues and address the betterment of their communities and the world. His group, the Business Circle of Chicago, agreed.
After contacting similar groups around the country, a national convention was held in Dallas, Texas, USA in October of that year. A constitution, by-laws, objects and a code of ethics were approved. Within three years, Lions became an international organization. Since then, it has earned high marks around the group as a well organized group with a reputation for both integrity and transparency.
Comments