The third annual grassroots Maruta Gardner Day of Service, a continuing memorial to the late educator and community activist, will be Sunday, Nov. 3 starting at 9 a.m. near Bonita Cove Park playground, 1100 W. Mission Bay Drive.
“Please join us for a beach cleanup and some community bonding in honor of our friend and local hero,” said event organizer Dawn Reilly. “Grabbers, gloves, and bags will be available. Wear a hat and sunscreen. Bring a refillable water bottle. We are happy to provide letters of certification for community service and volunteer hours.”
Gardner was tragically killed in 2016 by an intoxicated driver while painting out graffiti in Mission Beach.
Nov. 3 is significant because that’s the date the City Council declared honoring the late former principal of Mission Bay High School.  
“She is responsible for encouraging many of us to take active roles in various clubs and boards,” noted Reilly. “Maruta was so highly regarded in the beach communities that several local groups team up to turn Nov. 3 into a tribute to this amazing woman. “We will always remember her, but we can best honor her spirit on that day by following her example: performing community service, and in doing so inspire others to serve in the future, and strengthen our community bonds. I am hoping together we can create a true day of service as part of her legacy.”
Organizations participating in Maruta Gardner Day include Mission Beach Town Council, OMBAC, Mission Beach Women’s Club, Pacific Beach Town Council, Pacific Beach Library, Friends of PB Library, Beautiful PB and Mission Bay High School.