A huge thank you to the 2020 Community Holiday Dinner co-chairs Robin and Randy Fox.  Planning this event, in the middle of a pandemic, was an incredible effort.  Robin and Randy approached each obstacle thrown at them with positivity and kept figuring out ways to pivot and make things work.  All with a smile and some humor.  They guided a wonderful planning committee and fabulous volunteers who were able to deliver 300+ meals and gifts of homemade (knitted and crocheted) hats, scarves, and blankets, along with toys to our community members.

Here is a note from Randy and Robin:

To our wonderful TAE CHD Volunteers,

We had a big smile on our faces and a warm feeling in our hearts as we drove home after the dinner yesterday.  It wasn’t just that we served almost 300 dinners to a community in need, it was also that we had the privilege of working with all of you.  You were the most amazing team.  Everyone showed much love, kindness, caring, and a willingness to do whatever it took to make the event go off without a hitch, and did so being safe and following the protocols we currently live under.

We wish we could call out each and every one of you for your contributions (see below for a list).  As we walked around the event and watched everyone working happily and cheerfully it was very uplifting.  It did not matter the size of the task, from those who came Thursday night to prep, to the amazing decorations our families made, to the parking lot elves, to those giving out hats, scarves and blankets, to the wonderful holiday music, and to those prepping and handing out the meals, you were all inspiring.

A huge thank you to those behind the scenes who helped plan, pivot, and pivot again, but could not be with us physically at the event.  Your contributions were invaluable to the event’s success.  We enjoyed working with and learning from you all.

A shout out to the Knitting and Crocheting for Charity committee who made over 500 hats, scarves, and blankets that our guests were very thankful to receive.

Finally, a thank you to TAE for their continued support of this event.  The Social Action Committee led by Marcia and Harold with their infectious positive can-do attitude, expertly guided the team to make this event a reality. We would also like to thank Aliza for her help, guidance, and time to be our safety monitor.  Last but not close to least, thanks to Angel, who every year, gives up his time and holiday to make sure all our needs are taken care of.

We are so proud to be part of the TAE community filled with so much love and generosity.

Wishing you and yours a very Happy and Healthy New Year,

Robin and Randy

PLANNING COMMITTEE:

Robin and Randy Fox – Co-chairs; Bob and Patti Murray – Volunteer coordination; Joni and Jay Berger – Advertising; Marcy Duben and Michele Zinn – Decorations; Paula Kraft – Dessert coordination; Bob Mills – Entertainment; Michele Zinn and Carol Weiss – Hats/Scarfs/Blankets; Harold and Marcia Gordon

VOLUNTEERS:

Signs: Rose Miller

Toy Wrapping: Carol Weiss

Costco Pick-Up: Susan Diamond, Blanca and Mark Safron

Toy Pick-Up: Deb Satz

Top Tier Pick-Up: Harold and Rachel Gordon

Dessert Packaging: Paula Kraft, Barbara Blanchard, David Ebner, Larry and Judy Levine

Roll Packaging: Diane Milavetz, Emily Fox

Food Packaging: Aiste Markeviciute, Matthew Berman. Phil, Janet, Lauren and Teddy Rosenthal

Food Delivery: Simone and Steve Cohen, Beth and Howie Gelb, David, Abby and Josh Messe, David, Susan and Rachel Kaye

Walk-Up Food Delivery: Nancy and Steve Case

Hat Distribution: Cory and Ryder Berens, Scott and Mindy Schneider

Music: Bob Mills

Decorating: The Green Family, The Morris Family, The Rice Family, the Smith Family, The Messe Family

Parking Lot Elves: Marilyn Novak, Emily Fox, Jeff Wachtel, Johnny and Miranda Otte, Gail Ginell, Bobbie Mathews, Maria Potje, Peter Cohen, Cathy Gordon, Rachel Gordon

Volunteer Check-In Aliza Goland

Overall Helper: Angel Ramirez

We are pleased to be hosting the Temple Adat Elohim Annual Community Holiday Dinner!

*Pandemic-Style*

We will be serving our guests via “drive-thru” style from 12:00 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. on Friday December 25th.