San Juan Bautista
– It’s not too late to help the Franciscan Friars of San Juan
Bautista’s
”
Bring Back St. Francis
”
fundraising efforts for the retreat lost in a tragic fire in
June.
San Juan Bautista – It’s not too late to help the Franciscan Friars of San Juan Bautista’s “Bring Back St. Francis” fundraising efforts for the retreat lost in a tragic fire in June.
Tickets are still available for the Sunday fundraiser at Casa Maria in San Juan. The fundraiser will feature a buffet, auction and dancing hosted by Cindy Williams from television’s “Laverne and Shirley.” Tickets are $60, tax-deductible, and include food and wine with dinner. County Supervisor Anthony Botelho has been visiting the retreat all his life.
“I think the retreat has been a community asset,” Botelho said. “And I want to participate and do my part to bring it back to the same level.”
Tickets will be available at the door, Father Barry Brusman said. Brusman hopes the event will attract a large representation of the Latino community. The retreat hopes those not planning to attend, but wanting to help restore the retreat will buy tickets as well, Brusman said.
Retreat officials are expecting a big turn out for the event.
“We’re hoping for about 400 or 500,” Brusman said.
Williams will serve wine, sign autographs, dance with those who seek to be on her dance card and host a live auction. Brother Angelo Carinalli believes the event will be a night to remember.
“This is guaranteed to be a relaxed night of unforgettable fun and friendship,” Carinalli said.
Ron and Roberta Bane have donated a one-week stay in their Lake Tahoe cabin this spring to be auctioned off by Williams. Williams will also auction a two-night stay at the Hilton San Francisco and dinner for two at the North Beach Restaurant as well as one of her handbags full of goodies and gift certificates.
Restaurants donating food to the buffet include Hallaballoo’s of Salinas, the Ridgemark Golf and Country Club of Tres Pinos and the following San Juan establishments: San Juan Oaks Golf and Country Club, Jardine’s, Doña Esther’s and Orient Express. Pabst Blue Ribbon is donating beer and wine will be compliments of Casa de Fruta, Arroyo Seco and Calera Winery.
Rebuilding the retreat will not be an easy feat. Father Barry Brusman previously told the Free Lance the Franciscan Friars will need to raise an additional $2 to $2.5 million on top of the $2.5 million in insurance money to completely rebuild the retreat.
Botelho sees the retreat as an institution.
“It’s been a major draw for outsiders to discover San Juan and the county,” Botelho said.
Michael Van Cassell covers public safety for the Free Lance. He can be reached at 831-637-5566 ext. 335, or mv*********@fr***********.com
