Walnut Creek’s 1515 Restaurant & Lounge, is not only known for their cool venue, amazing food, specialty cocktails, jumpin’ Happy Hour, and great night-life, but they have also established themselves as one of the most philanthropic Restaurant/Lounge spots in downtown. Every year a small committee of “regulars” and staff members known as “The Friends & Family of1515,” volunteer to put on an array of Fundraising and Charity events, including Golf Tournaments, Poker Tournaments, Pasta Feeds, Crab Feeds, Wine/Spirit/Beer Tastings, and so much more!! Not to mention the very generous and ongoing donations the restaurant gives to their local non-profits, endowments, and schools. With all that they do for the community, it is quite obvious that 1515 Restaurant & Lounge not only cares about making good food and drinks, but they also sincerely care about helping the community, as well.
One of the restaurant’s most popular and most successful event is “The Friends & Family of 1515 Annual Charity Golf Tournament, Dinner and Auction.”
This Tournament has no doubt become a local favorite and is well-known for its beautiful course selection, endless food and drinks, the friendliest hosts and hostesses, unique giveaways, T-Prizes, and new surprises every year! This year was their 5th Annual Tournament, held on August 6, 2012 at Round Hill Country Club of Alamo. The event benefited and donated thousands of dollars to a list of local, national, and international charities, including Lazarex Cancer Foundation, Hospice of the East Bay, Tony LaRussa’s ARF, Crudem (Haiti Relief) Foundation and Sentinels of Freedom.
“With 144 golfers, over 25 sponsors, and a rockin’ committee of volunteers, our charity golf tournament is by far the ‘“best of the best,”’ one of the most fun and unique tournaments around, and benefits a good variety of fabulous causes,” says the committee’s Chairwoman, Cynthia Sandoval.
In addition to raising funds for the various charities, the golf tournament also helps to fund “The Friends & Family of1515 Annual Turkey Give-Away.” This event is held the Tuesday before Thanksgiving at the front entrance of 1515 Restaurant & Lounge. With the help of the committee and friendly volunteers, 2,000 pounds worth of frozen turkeys are handed out to anyone and everyone who may be in need during the holiday season. “The early morning line of folks in-need is a much different scene compared to the usual crowd walking around Downtown Walnut Creek, and is always very humbling to us. It makes us want to do more every year,” says Cynthia Sandoval.
Just as it is every year, “The Friends & Family of1515 Annual Turkey Give-Away,” will be held at the restaurant’s front entrance, 1515 North Main Street, Walnut Creek, on the Tuesday before Thanksgiving, beginning at 10:30am. Anyone in need of a turkey for their Thanksgiving festivities is given one, no questions asked. (One turkey per family, being that the supply is limited.)
If you have any questions or comments regarding any event that 1515 Restaurant puts on, please contact Cynthia Sandoval at c_sandoval@comcast.net
