The Marco & Sandra Johnson Foundation presents its 8th Annual Free Holiday Dinner

LANCASTER, CA – The University of Antelope Valley exemplifies the spirit of giving year-round, however, this altruistic spirit is never more evident than during each holiday season.

The Marco and Sandra Johnson Foundation and the University of Antelope Valley annually extend a helping hand to those in need during the year-end holiday season by hosting an annual "Caring for the Community" dinner service and toy distribution.

The free holiday turkey dinner with all the trimmings is prepared by the UAV Culinary Arts School and includes hot turkey, dressing, green beans, corn, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, dinner rolls, several desserts, and beverages. The meal service is extended to everyone in the community. The dining venue includes two dining experiences, which include a restaurant enclosed in etched glass windows, oak furnishings, crystal chandeliers and servers eager to accommodate, or El Fresco dining in the expansive quad with an even more relaxed atmosphere surrounded by trees, umbrella tables, music and a buffet served by volunteer culinary students. Our guests decide where they would like to dine and are seated as quickly as possible.



Santa Claus presents a toy, bicycle, shoes or clothes to each child in attendance. More than 2,400 meals served in the past seven years. Volunteers include UAV students and alumni, faculty and staff, the local Los Angeles County Sheriffs Dept, community leaders, the T.I.F.F. Foundation, and neighborhood volunteers.

8th Annual Caring for the Community
Saturday, December 13, 2014
10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
University of Antelope Valley
44055 Sierra Highway
Lancaster, CA 93536

“This will be my fifth year participating, and I see firsthand the lives that are touched by this event. For some this is their only meal for the day and for some children the only present they will receive. Some people may not realize that UAV Founders, Marco and Sandra Johnson, are working every event, joined by their children Devion and Tiffany. The Johnson’s arrive first each year for this event, assembling bicycles, setting up patio tables, preparing the dining room, and passing out gifts; they stay until the very end, without taking a break. I'm honored to be a part of such a great community event,” said UAV Banquet Manager Pam Mazor.

To find out more about how you can get involved with the “Caring for the Community” outreach event, by volunteering your time, or donating non-perishable foods and/or gently worn winter wear please contact Ashley Clutter at (661) 726-1911 or ashley.clutter@uav.edu.

You can make a difference, because community matters!