Tehachapi News

A feast for new friends

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Thanks was given generously and new friendships were established over turkey, ham and all the trimmings as Barbara Ferrante hosted her third annual Helping Hands Thanksgiving Dinner at Jake’s Steakhouse.

“Emotions were high, as many cried that they were invited to a great feast and didn't have to be alone on Thanksgiving,” said Ferrante. “We sat people together that didn't know one another but by the end of the meal they now had a new friend.”

Ferrante said this year’s turn out was fantastic: 200 guests were served, including military men and women from Edwards Airforce Base.

“We had 35 volunteers that helped throughout the day,” she said.

Among those volunteering their time to prepare the feast were Jake’s chefs, Gloria Padilla and Michael Bradford.

“This was my third year,” said Padilla, adding that guests were overwhelmed with gratitude for the invitation and the fellowship it provided. “It was touching. People  thanked us over and over again.”

The mix of 200 invited guests  included young and old — elderly folks who might otherwise spend the holiday alone as well as families in need of a little extra help during tough economic times.

Over the past three years, Ferrante has established connections with local church and service groups to identify those who could benefit the most from a free meal and some genuine kindness. Customer donations were also collected at the front counter over the past month to help with the event’s cost. Ferrante will continue to collect donations through the holidays to benefit local animal rescue organizations.

Padilla said the event was truly a family affair adding that, “Some families even had their children volunteer to take drink orders,” providing a couple of local Cub Scouts with the opportunity to earn volunteer patches. One former employee returned with her daughter to help Ferrante and staff serve the community.

Jakes Steakhouse, located at 213 S Curry St., has earned the Sterling Silver Certificate from the Southern California Restaurant Writers, Inc. (SCRW) and received the Small Business of the Year for 2007.