As so much of the county burned last week, Peninsula residents were busy raising donations for the Red Cross and supplies for the fire-chased evacuees.
With a few days’ notice, organizers at Ocean Beach Comedy hosted a benefit comedy show Oct. 26 at Winston’s Beach Club, 1921 Bacon St. The show raised about $407. All proceeds were to be donated to the Red Cross for the relief efforts, said Steven Kendrick, Ocean Beach Comedy organizer.
“It was very grassroots.” Kendrick said. “We didn’t make as much as they needed, [but] we sure did everything we could.”
When Kendrick and other organizers realized the severity of the emergency, they scrambled to put the word out to businesses and residents.
Local businesses Luna Video Games, Newport Pizza and others donated gift packages, including a video-game console for the auction, he said.
Hodads restaurant donated vouchers for cheeseburger baskets, he said.
Others also stepped up to the donation plate in the time of need.
A concert hosted by the Beach Club after the comedy benefit generated about $700 from the cover charge at the door, he said.
In a separate effort, local residents hosted a Halloween party and were able to raise about $300 for the efforts, Kendrick said.
“Ocean Beach is one of those places where people come together, even if it’s $1 or $2 at time,” he said.
In Point Loma, the Rock Church on Rosecrans Street operated as an evacuation and donation center since Oct. 22, according to Trish Teves, a Rock Church representative.
The church is currently accepting donations for “rebuild kits,” which will contain items needed by evacuees. Items already donated include 2,170 pillows, more than 1,500 cases of water, about 1,380 blankets and about 1,200 toys, according to church officials.
The church will continue to operate as a distribution center for as long as needed, Teves said in a written statement.
Ocean Beach Comedy shows occur every Friday at Winston’s. For more information, visit www.oceanbeachcomedy.com.
Sunset View Elementary School will also transform its 49th annual Halloween Carnival in conjunction with the Ramona chapter of Soroptimist International to raise funds for fire victims in Ramona (see story below). For more information, visit www.sandi.net/ssv, or contact Shelly Heimer, vice president of the Ramona Soroptimist Club, at (619) 743-8848.
Also, organizers with Fashion Day Soiree, a national event presented by Dolce Vita Events, continue their plans for their inaugural fashion day in San Diego, but with a goal to help local fire victims (see page 8).
The event will be held at 1936 Quivira Way in the Baja Building at the Marina Village on Thursday, Nov. 15 from 5 to 10 p.m.
For more information, visit www.fashiondaysoiree.com or send an e-mail to [email protected].