The Annual Mission City Community Fund dinner took place on Saturday, November 7 at Great America’s Grand Pavilion, in Santa Clara. This year broke with past traditions and featured a Casino night with a buffet dinner. Overall reviews of the event are calling it a complete success with many people thrilled with the new style and theme. Even the buffet dinner was considered a success as it provided more time to enjoy the casino games. Given the number of compliments received from the attendees of how much fun the new venue was and is, a Casino Night is likely to continue, says Chair Debi Davis.
One of the main attractions of the MCCF Casino night was recognizing the winners of the Austin Warburton Award and the George Burdick Award. This year’s Austin Warburton Award recipients were Lloyd and Helen Silveria of Santa Clara. The Silveria’s have performed community service work for over 50 years and will be celebrating their 65th wedding anniversary soon. During their time giving back to the community, they have volunteered with a wide variety of groups including the Lion’s Club, their church, the Santa Clara Art & Wine festival, Elks Lodge, as well as being on hand at the City of Santa Clara’s annual holiday tree lighting to hand out free hot-cocoa – something that is definitely appreciated by those in attendance.
Receiving the George Burdick Award was Ravinder Lal, who has been in business for over 10-years in Santa Clara. During that time, Lal has volunteered at his daughter’s school, the JW House, Relay for Life and has preached to always give back to the community, “as it makes us stronger.” Lal also practices what he preaches by encouraging his employees to better themselves by going to college to give themselves a better life.
For more information on the MCCF and the annual dinner fundraiser, visit: www.missioncityfund.org.