Holiday Hugs Dinner

Since the CV Weekly began back in March, I have contributed to the Pampered Palate column with reviews of some of the finest, most reputable restaurants here in our community. This holiday season, I would like to take a brief respite from my usual complimentary interpretation of local culinary delights to share with you an event that is very dear to me. A few of my close friends and local sponsors are assembling a holiday dinner to benefit those in our valley that are either displaced or less fortunate. The first annual Holiday Hugs Dinner will be December 1st from noon until 5pm and while there is no charge to attend, donations are welcome in the form of volunteering, providing food and other necessary items and of course, financial contributions.
This event is put together by three wise women here in our community with the support of local businesses including La Bella Cucina, New Leaf Catering, West Central Produce and Coca Cola Refreshments. Huyen Nguyen and her friends Sherman Chan and Bella Decou will be serving classic holiday favorites like turkey and ham with mashed potatoes and gravy, and of course we can’t forget about the pumpkin pie!
Having personally, spent holidays with Huyen and her family, I can say the food will be amazing! Recently, I was invited to a holiday dinner hosted by Huyen and I have never had a more tender turkey, and the gravy will leave you speechless! We all come from different backgrounds, beliefs and cultures but we have all felt the magic and warmth that comes from sharing a special meal with those that mean the most to us; it is much like a hug.
So whether you have nowhere to go to appreciate the holiday season, or circumstances have kept you from your loved ones, come alone or bring the family to the Holiday Hugs Dinner next Saturday at the Moose Lodge in Indio on Monroe St., south of Hwy 111 between 12:00pm and 5:00pm. If you would like to contribute to this non-profit event in any way, please contact Huyen at huyentram20@gmail.com or call 760-774-2321. This is sure to be a fantastic meal and a great way to bring people together.