Jantar De Mentiras…was in fact my 2nd fundraiser already in this journey to the 2015 Convention for the East Bay. I had started my fundraising back in October of 2010 with a small raffle and now this one on April 1st was to be my first big festa. We had decided to do something different, something that wasn’t happening in the many Portuguese halls through the bay area. So since we picked April Fool’s day for our dinner, we also decided to call it Jantar De Mentiras, translated to Dinner of Liars. It always became a topic of conversation as we sold tickets and made people wonder what dinner was really going to be.
We chose a very different dinner for this festa. We wanted something new, something different and something that would make people interested to come back for the future. So we did Polvo Grelhado, Frango and Bacalahau. Now trust me we were nervous, this was something very new to us (the Polvo and bacalhau anyways) and we were slightly apprehensive but things couldn’t have gone better. Not only did we have an amazing dinner to serve everyone but I had an amazing committee that helped to sell tickets, advertise and worked extremely hard to put on an amazing festa.
We were fortunate to have had the support of the SDES Alvarado, for years they have supported our local councils and my father’s committee for his presidency in 1998 and they didn’t fail me either. They were there helping, allowed us to have access to the hall and made things so much easier for us in the end. I love this place, it’s a place where I grew up and celebrated many happy occasions with my family and I’m thrilled that I’m able to continue working with SDES through my journey and with my LUSO council. We are extremely appreciative all that you do for us.
Thank you to Progresso for coming out from the Valley and playing such wonderful music for all of us to dance and enjoy the night. We are very grateful that you came out for us and played even when the dance floor was light. Everyone had an amazing time and we look forward to working with you again in the future!
I was fortunate to have Youth Council #1 of Fremont /Union City perform for us as well that night. They did their dance performance from the 2010 Theatrical Program, which earned them 2nd place in the Dance Category. They came out just as strong that night as they did at the Convention dancing their Madeira Dances in full original Folklore costumes. I am so proud of what this council has done over the last 20 years. You all are such a wonderful and talented group of kids who have no fear of trying something new and different. You don’t follow what is expected at the conventions and do what you feel is right. I love the fact that you are all so happy to do folklore and to learn where we come from and the culture. You all make me so proud to be a part of the Fremont/Union City area. A big shout out to Carla Moreira the Youth Director and her team that helps her put on shows year to year. You should all be so proud of what you do for YC #1 and what you instill in these children. The love they have for performing is there as well as the love they have for their Portuguese culture. Kudos to all you do!
Thank you to all that attended the dinner and supported our committee by buying raffle tickets, auction but we also had some fabulous people who donated so much for our auction and raffle. Thank you all so much for all you did to help make this a successful festa.
It is extremely overwhelming and emotional when I think of all the time people took out of their day or days to help make this dinner a success. There are never enough thank yous to go around and I don’t know how I will repay everyone for all their hard work and dedication that they have given me for the next 4 years. I only hope I can be the type of president they can be proud of.
Now on to our next fundraiser: Friday June 10th @the SDES Alvarado we will be working alongside Region #2 of the Bay Area for the 2nd Annual Out of the Gutter Comedy Night. Dinner: Steak and Oyster $30 and show. This troop is hilarious and will remind you of growing up a Portuguese Kid. If you are interested in tickets please contact me. These tickets run fast and you won’t regret it. Fabulous show and dinner!!!!
Thank you all again for all you have done so far in my journey to the becoming the 2015 Luso President!
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