LYBL

The time is Christmas Eve day, and Julia and Cindy are hosting on their property a huge Christmas fundraiser.  All proceeds once the bills are paid will go to the local shelters for children, men, and women in Seattle, Washington.

"Cindy,  the DJ is setting up. Everyone who is here paid 500.00 to be here. Your hotel waitresses/ waiters and chef along with her fellow sous chefs and cooks are ready for our guests, Cindy."  " My wife has Santa Claus taking a photo with each guest, and they receive a stocking with various donated items. I still can not believe 650 people are here to eat, which doesn't include us nor the hotel employees.  This is being covered by the local television stations and local newspapers."  " Julia I am proud of all the work you and your employees pit into this. I knew people would come and pay the money even though no alcohol is being served.  Let's go outside and greet everyone."

The menus consisted of New York steak or chicken breast with fresh bread, salad,  baked potato,  cider,  egg nog, and water.  Hannah and her bakery made all the desserts.  She charged us for the ingredients and to have them delivered to our home. Each person got two choose what they wanted with their lunch.  We finally went out to the huge tent that had heating lamps to kero everyone warm.

" Everyone, thank you for coming to our home for this special luncheon today. The monies raised here will help so many people. Cindy and I are honored for each one of you. I would like to thank my daughter Hannah and her employees for making all the delicious desserts and employees from Majestic Hotel. I would like to thank the many volunteers and businesses who donated items to go in your Christmas stocking, Santa Claus, and the owner of Memory photos for being here. Without everyone,  today wouldn't be a huge success as it is. Each waitress or waiter knows by your glass charm if you ordered steak or chicken. The DJ will play until 3: 00 pm today.  Please enjoy yourselves."

Cindy pulled out my chair for me to sit with our loved ones at our table with 8 others. On my plate was a New York steak. Cindy ordered the chicken breast. We started eating once my brother,  Paul, said the blessing.  I was happy he and his family were here. We paid for several of them to eat today. My brother was feeling better. He had just finished his chemotherapy several days ago. I wasn't sure he would be here today. After this luncheon was over,  we would wait for everyone to leave who wasn't family or very close friends.  We all chose names in the summer. We had a 60.00 dollar limit to spend on the person we chose. Cindy got my niece,Jessica.  I got my great nephew,  Phillip Junior.

Everyone was enjoying themselves, and many were dancing.  Time went by fairly quickly. We were finally by ourselves.  My great nephew,Isaiah,  was now being the DJ with his father's, Jorge's setup.

" As Julia stated earlier,  today was a huge success.  The three shelters were very grateful this occurred today. My wife worked very hard on this event. She and all who helped with this fundraiser put many hours in it.  She stayed up the last two weeks late to make it special for us all.  I have booked a spa day for the two of  us on Monday at our friend's, Taylor Brooks business. We know some of you will be leaving after Christmas.  Let's enjoy the rest of today. We have Mexican dinner in a few hours.  I hope everyone likes beef tamales, frijoles, Spanish rice, salsa, and chips. The chili we made ourselves from our own vegetable and herb garden."

Our nephews and nieces were handing out everyone's Christmas gifts.  We had alcohol being served with dinner. People who were old enough to drink could choose wine or beer to drink.  All knew not to drink more than two alcohol drinks.  If they felt tipsy, they were not to drive. Some of our loved ones would stay with us in our home or the hotel they had made reservations to stay at. Julia had given anyone who was staying at Majestic or  Regency a discount on a regular room.