2007 RSVP Luncheon

Almost 400 RSVP volunteers, friends, and dignitaries gathered on June 20 2007 at Pardini’s in Fresno to celebrate another enjoyable year of service and friendship. Pardini’s colorfully decorated banquet hall was filled with table and door prizes, gifts from the RSVP cruise to Baja in February, live music and much good cheer. Live cacti, part of the table décor, became gifts for all attendees. Hosted by the RSVP Advisory Council with support from the RSVP staff and community volunteers, the luncheon included a delicious fiesta-themed meal, complimentary photographs, flowers for the ladies’ hair, certificates of appreciation and pins to 5-10-15-20-25-30 year RSVP volunteers. Senator Dianne Feinstein sent a personal letter of congratulations to each person receiving a certificate of appreciation as well. Special awards were presented to Betty Chatman and Brenda Burt for their support of RSVP through the years.

Community volunteers Larry Flores and Danny Mendoza supplied wonderful live music. Our thanks to the many community volunteers and Volunteer Center staff members and their family members and friends, who served as registrars, ushers, runners, greeters and hosts. As in past years, the event was generously supported by Jim Pardini.

The 2007 RSVP raffle, with the prize drawing at the luncheon, raised over $1,800. Raffle prize winners included Dora Hernandez winning the grand prize, Phyllis Gibbins of Clovis winning the illuminated garden fountain; Esther Dees of Fresno winning the catered salmon dinner for 8; and Ione Horton of Fresno winning the custom herb planter. Merle Anderson of Ranchos Hills Senior Center managed the raffle sales. In addition, 40 guests went home with door prizes including gift baskets, wine with hand-turned stoppers, live plants, hand-turned pen-and-pencil sets, and gift certificates to restaurants, Trader Joe’s, groceries, hair dressers, auto shops, and nurseries.