02 MAY 2014

New Venue, But Same Great Jubilee Pizazz



Neither a change in venue, a ferocious storm, nor an increase in ticket prices could keep crowds of Jubilee vendors and fans from returning in droves for the 27th annual event.
And, in a happily ironic twist, one of the Jubilee's long-time sponsors, Craig Bryan of Bryan-Braker Funeral Home, won the raffle's grand prize: his choice of either a brand-new Buick Encore or Nissan Altima. Rami Yanni, general manager of the Vacaville dealerships who donated the choice of vehicles, was on hand to draw the lucky winner's name. 

The new venue - the Specialty Event Center in Fairfield - was given a hearty thumbs' up by guests and vendors, who found the former retail building's brighter lights, open spaces, indoor flooring and restrooms to be a bonus. "I think this is a great venue for the Jubilee," noted Chris Root, director, Health at Home and Hospice & Bereavement, "and it's so wonderful to see such a great turnout!"

Vendors also seemed to enjoy not only the new venue, but the response from the enthusiastic crowds to the foods they were serving.
"We love coming to the Jubilee and wouldn't miss it," said Chef Peter Garcia from Ahi's Seafood and Chophouse at the Hilton Garden Inn, as he served up samples of Thai beef and basil lettuce wraps to people crowding around his table.
New vendors Brandon and Brittany Cherry of Mraz Brewing Co. loved the response they were receiving to their craft brews, and the fact that their vendor table was "sandwiched" between Theatre DeVille, whose chefs were serving beef sliders, and Mary's Pizza Shack, whose volunteers were serving meatballs. "They both go great with beer, don't they?" Brandon asked. 

In addition to all the food and beverage tastings, ticket-holders were able to browse among items in the silent auction, and then move into the VIP section to dance to the Time Bandits.

The evening would not have been possible without the many volunteers who worked hard behind the scenes, according to Jane Hilliard, director of volunteer services.  More than 150 volunteers had signed up to help set up, serve and tear down tables, chairs, displays and more.

Other volunteers stayed late, or arrived early the next morning to sweep floors, clean bathrooms, empty trash bins and load up trucks to return equipment and supplies to the Guild House.

Although raffle, silent auction and ticket sales numbers are still being tallied, all signs indicate it was an extremely successful night, according to Brett Johnson, president of NorthBay Healthcare Foundation.

"We're especially grateful for the strong support we received from sponsors this year," he added, noting it was the best in three years.

Overall feedback on the event has been very positive, notes Bill Seiden, Jubilee chairman. "Our patrons loved the venue. Many said it was comfortable, the temperature in the building was well controlled, the lighting was good, parking was a breeze and the weather stayed outside where it belonged. It was a great evening."
Bill expressed gratitude to all who helped put on the Jubilee: sponsors, volunteers, vendors and staff.

"None of this would be possible without the contributions of all who help the Jubilee become the single largest and most anticipated event in our community year after year. I hope we never lose sight that our mission is to make it possible for those needing hospice or bereavement care to receive such services regardless of their economic circumstance."

Jubilee Raffle Winners
There were more than 20 winners of cash prizes. They include Mike Pope, who won $2,500 and Estella Murray, who won $1,000.
Walking away with $500 were Garland Bonner, David Foster, Marianne Hess, James Hoover, Dallas and Wendy Jackson, LeRoy Johnson, Marie Lacanlale, and Debbie Polen. Margaret Huber won two $500 prizes.

Taking home $125 were Dr. Andrew Brooks, Mary Coburn, Mary Beth Dow, Fred Ehler, Juliette Mozingo, Debbie Polen, Skip and Gail Thomson, Ruben Umali, Gigi Warshawsky and Mary Beth Wilkins. Kim Williamson won two $125 prizes.

Barry Nelson of Travis Credit Union won the $1,000 shopping spree at the Nut Tree, and promptly donated the prize back to NorthBay Hospice and Bereavement.

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