Redlands community rallies for Family Service at annual fundraiser
Rainy forecast and a venue change did not deter the community from coming together to sustain the city’s oldest nonprofit organization
REDLANDS, Calif. – Despite a last-minute venue change, more than 400 guests gathered at the Esri campus on Saturday for Dinner in the Grove, the signature fundraiser for Family Service Association of Redlands.
For 127 years, Family Service has fought hunger and prevented homelessness in the East and Central Valley of San Bernardino County. Last year alone, the nonprofit provided meals, housing, clothing and employment support to 3,555 families.
“It's just such an important event,” said Kyra Stewart, executive director of Family Service. The event is vital for the organization’s ability to operate throughout the year. “We have so many generous partners and people who believe in our mission and we're so grateful for that. And it's fun, right?”
The tradition began more than two decades ago
As its name suggests, the dinner usually takes place in an orange grove. It began as a spur-of-the-moment idea more than two decades ago. Organizer Shelli Stockton recalled that fellow board member Char Burgess had hosted a 60th birthday party for her husband, Larry, in their orchard. Inspired by the setting and an article she had seen in Sunset Magazine, Burgess turned to Stockton and suggested they could turn the concept into a fundraiser.
“We came back to the board and said, ‘Hey, we have this idea for a dinner in the grove,’” Stockton said. “They told us there wasn’t enough time, but we pulled it together that fall.” That first event drew about 100 people and raised roughly $5,000.
The tradition has since grown into Family Service’s signature fundraiser, drawing more than 400 guests and raising about $250,000 in recent years. “With events, you’ve got to build your tradition,” Stockton said.
Stockton still serves on the board; Burgess did for many years. “I do think that Family Service is just a charity that people want to support,” Stockton said. “And, you know, come have fun and help people,” Burgess added.
As the dinner expanded, Jack and Laura Dangermond, owners of Esri, opened their orange grove to host the event. Longtime supporter Laura Dangermond put it simply: “Who wouldn’t support Family Service?”
Under threat of rain, the tradition continued
Despite the venue change, this year had all the energy and hallmarks of the annual fundraiser. Trumpets, played by the University of Redlands students, greeted cars as they pulled up to the event.
Guests mingled in the Esri Café over an array of silent auction items, everything from travel excursions to Mohonk and Big Bear mountains to artwork and chef-hosted dinners.
Among the more than 80 items, Patsy Oppenheim’s themed dinner parties have become a staple of the fundraiser. This year, she auctioned off several seats at a seafood boil to be held at her Redlands home.
“There’s always some interesting twist,” Oppenheim said of her soirees, which over the years have included old Hollywood, Titanic’s last dinner, German and Peruvian cuisine, Montana and more. A retired higher education professional, she said she has enjoyed hosting these dinners for more than a decade as a way to explore different cultures, transport her guests out of the ordinary — and support a good cause.
Swapping orange trees for eucalyptus, guests gathered under a large tent surrounded by the foliage of the Esri campus. Many noted that while they missed the rustic feel of the orange grove, this setting offered a more intimate dining experience.
Guests enjoyed a meal prepared by Esri Café Head Chef Dylan Regan and his 25-person team: pear and Barolo-braised short rib, chicken agrodolce, sage beurre noisette potatoes and charred vegetables with maple tahini.
Regan said the last-minute pivot posed little challenge. “We had home-field advantage,” he said. “It was a long couple nights, but my team is solid.”
Guests were also treated to local favorites including Escape Craft Brewery and Lappert’s Ice Cream.
The event will help sustain Family Service’s operating costs for the year. That stability, board president Joseph Shaw noted, makes it possible to pursue grants and targeted projects, including a new affordable housing development now in the works.
“Family Service is a safety net,” Shaw said. “The number one call we get is for housing — hotel vouchers, rent assistance, families looking for somewhere to go. This dinner really helps bridge the gap.”
(L Clockwise) Chef Erwin plates appetizers from the kitchen in the Esri Café; Tablescape brings a splash of orange to the dinner; Joe Genua and staff serve dessert from Lappert's Ice Cream; Jenn Fernandez and Miguel Mascarenaz pour beer from Redlands' Escape Brewery. (Stephanie/CFR)
