CLEARLAKE >> The Rotary Club of Clear Lake’s 23rd Annual Community Christmas Dinner & Celebration takes place Saturday, Dec. 12 and a large crowd is expected. People look forward to the dinner now, although the origin of the event was hardly dramatic.
And the story goes a little like this: In 1992 one of the Rotary members, Dave Stoneberg, said “Let’s do something for the community. Let’s serve Christmas dinner to all who want to attend. Let’s have it be no charge and let’s have Santa there to talk with the children.”
And so it was.
The first year about 100 people attended. Santa had time to take a dinner break.
Fast forward 23 years to December 12, 2015 and crowds of 900 to 1,000 are expected to enjoy a dinner prepared and served by Clear Lake Rotarians, and their family and friends.
Parents stand in line to accompany their children for a visit to share their Christmas wishes with Santa. They receive a photo and a toy from Santa’s elves (local high school students from Carle and Lower Lake High School). About 500-600 children per year pass through this line.
Dinner includes, ham, scalloped potatoes, yams, vegetables and rolls. Yes, you can go back for seconds. Yes, you can take home a meal for a family member who was unable to attend. And, yes, there’s no charge, it’s Rotary’s contribution to the community. Meals On Wheels delivers the warm meal to the seniors on their list.
The Warm for the Winter program continues this year. This is a free giveaway of new and gently used coats, warm clothing, sleeping bags and blankets held outside the building and available to all. Thanks to Joyce Overton for starting this program. Boy Scout Troop 44 will be on hand to assist. If you wish to contribute items, contact Joyce Overton @ 350-2898.
The event takes place Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at Burns Valley School Multipurpose Room, 3620 Pine St., Clearlake.
