Area residents gathered together over the weekend to enjoy savory seafood and help support the Central Valley Community Resources organization provide funding for its non-profit, 501(c)(3), programs.
The Sixth Annual Crab Feed was dubbed a “Crabby Love Affair” celebrating the proximity to Valentine’s Day, hosted on Saturday, Feb. 11, in the Riverbank Community Center. Table decorations were in shades of pink and red.
In addition to the Caribbean style crab, the menu included Bayou shrimp, tri-tip, along with garden salad, Jambalaya rice and Cajun chili beans.
Central Valley Community Resources, CVCR, is a community group that conducts a variety of service programs, supported by its fundraisers.
This year’s program benefits local youths who are ‘aging out’ of the foster care system. Its Transitional Housing Placement + Foster Care efforts provide subsidies for rent and other living expenses with the goal of “helping at-risk young adults, ages 18-21 in extended foster care to reach the point of self-sufficiency.”
Organization CEO Darlene Barber-Martinez, who is also a Riverbank City Council member, was presented, along with the board of directors, with a California State Senate Certificate of Recognition for the Transitional Housing Program, presented by Senator Marie Alvarado-Gil. Elected in 2022, she represents the counties of Placer, El Dorado, Amador, Alpine, Calaveras, Tuolumne, Mariposa, Stanislaus, Madera, Mono, and Inyo.
“Receiving the certificate from the Senator,” Martinez remarked was a highlight at the event. “We were very pleased to have participants from some of our sponsored programs in attendance. I can speak for myself and our board members that we were very pleased to accept the certificate. It takes all of us, our employees, and our faithful volunteers to keep our program running.”
In addition to CVCR volunteers, the dinner was assisted by members of Riverbank High School’s Culinary Arts Class, who acted as servers.
“I had 10 students attend,” stated Emily Cowdrey RHS Culinary Arts Instructor. “All grade levels and from each of my four courses I teach. They did the service for the crab feed. They brought out food and waited tables. They did great. Students had a great time.”
An estimated 225 diners were in attendance.
Along with putting on the crab feed, CVCR also raises funds through the year by selling fireworks in the summer, selling food at the local Farmers Market, at the Cheese and Wine festival, the Dia de los Muertos Festival, and at the Christmas Parade.
The group makes available resources, knowledge and expertise, to coordinate services and programs for individuals, families and seniors. CVCR “develops partnerships that serve the needs of our diverse community, empowering all to be self-sufficient.”
This year the “Crabby Love Affair” was without live music but DJ Danny entertained guests with a variety of jams including Salsa Meringue, Bonda, and Oldies. They had a silent auction once again with a variety of items.
“He has been a DJ for us in the past and he was awesome,” said Martinez. “Our guests seemed to like the variety of items we had and were excited to see if they were a winner.”
News Reporter Virginia Still contributed to this story.
