Old Juan’s Cantina Serves Up Support for Local Youth Programs
Who doesn’t love tacos? And enchiladas? And pozole? Recently, local favorite Old Juan’s Cantina in Oceano, California, celebrated the season of giving by serving up some scrumptious traditional Mexican cuisine and hospitality for a worthy cause. All day long on December 17th, patrons could feast on their favorite dishes while supporting the Boys & Girls Club South SLO County chapter, which helps guide young people to become responsible and caring citizens. The restaurant donated a generous 50% of the day’s sales to the nonprofit to benefit youth in the community.
Last month’s event marked the ninth consecutive year of the annual fundraiser, which this year alone raised more than $2,000 and which has raised more than $22,000 for local nonprofits since 2010. “The Boys and Girls Club gives local children the opportunity for a safe place to learn and grow,” said Old Juan’s Cantina General Manager Eva Verdin. “We’re honored that we can give back to such a deserving organization by doing what we love – serving great food to our community.”
Purchased by John Verdin in 1976 and now operated by the next generation of Verdins, Old Juan’s Cantina has a long-standing tradition of dedication to family and service to the community. That dedication has guided the restaurant’s charitable giving, sparking creative initiatives to help disadvantaged members of our community and empower them to succeed. In the same spirit of giving, our own Mary Verdin treated a grateful – and hungry — Verdin team to a delicious lunch at the restaurant that afternoon, too!
As we wrap up the holiday season (I know, I know) and awaken from the seasonal food coma, it’s important to remember that not all children have access to the resources they need to learn, grow and succeed. The Boys and Girls Club offers essential educational, recreational and wellness programs designed to help children gain essential social and leadership skills through service and positive group experiences that help them cultivate character and become engaged, caring citizens of our community.
The funds donated by Old Juan’s Cantina will go directly to the Boys and Girls Club’s efforts to provide safe avenues for learning and development to youth across our area. ¡Salud! to Old Juan’s Cantina for their continued support of our community – and the tacos!
