From the Organizers:

Thank you once again to each and every one of you for making our vision a reality at the 2nd Annual Feed the Beach on Thanksgiving Day. We could not have done this without you. 

Once again the spirit of Venice came out strong in support of this event. We met our projected mark of feeding about 700 people this year. This goes to show that with the right people and loving hearts anything is possible. With the amount of support, contributions, donations, and help, this event became the center point of this holiday.

We had 100 volunteers come out to serve, set-up, clean-up, shred turkeys, and tear down. We had Impacting Hearts Ministries come out with 17 young teenagers, who are foster children, to help serve and give back to this community.

We want to thank the 200 plus individuals who donated and contributed to this event. We raised over $1,000 in monetary donations which went towards food, supplies, and toiletries. The Rotary Club of Venice Marina was able to raise an additional $1,000 for this successful event. The Rotary Club of Venice Marina played a huge role in spreading the word, raising money, and collecting over 20 complete dinners. Without those who donated and contributed to this event, we would have not had an event as successful as this one was. It takes the help of everyone to give, in order for an event to happen.

We also want to recognize our local media coverage Beachhead Newspaper and Venice Paparazzi who promoted this event through their paper, website, and email database. Venice Paparazzi had a photo booth at the event in which they took postcard sized photographs of people attending the event. The postcard was printed and postage was provided free of charge by Venice Paparazzi. 

We want to thank and recognize all of the following businesses for their support:

Beachhead Newspaper; Daisy Estrada – Party Rental (Tables/Chairs); Local Fire Station No. 63; Gotta Have It Vintage Clothing; VenicePaparazzi.com (go to this website to see photos of event); The Wailens Band; YoVenice.com

And from Westminster Avenue: Bombay Indian; Groundwork Coffee; Lydia’s Pupusas; Royal Food Falafel’s; Thai Restaurant; The Waldorf. 

We will keep this event alive throughout the years to come. We will be prepared to hit the 1,000 mark in next year’s Feed the Beach celebration. 

Best Wishes, 

James and Nina Merced, 

The Fruit Gallery Team