MIDDLETOWN Calif. – Hundreds of residents of Middletown and surrounding communities were able to enjoy the annual Christmas in Middletown holiday celebration this year, even in the wake of the devastating fires that decimated many areas of Lake County earlier this fall, thanks to the Lake County Fire Victims Relief Fund that was created by Redwood Credit Union Community Fund, Inc. and the Press Democrat, in conjunction with Sen. Mike McGuire. The Fund collected more than $2.2 million dollars toward fire relief efforts, thanks to the generous contributions of more than 12,000 donors from throughout California and beyond.
Redwood Credit Union, The Press Democrat and Sen. McGuire hosted a free community lunch at the South Lake County Fire Station in Middletown to kick off the event. More than 300 people gathered for a free pasta meal provided by The Pasta King, Art Ibleto. Sen. McGuire, RCU President and CEO Brett Martinez, and Press Democrat Publisher Steve Falk acknowledged the resiliency of the community and recognized firefighters and other first responders as heroes of the fires. Brett Martinez read letters of support from people who donated to the Fire Relief Fund, including children who had held fundraisers and pitched in their own money to help.
“These are your letters, written to you,” Martinez told the attendees. “Many people care about this community.”
Following the pasta feed, the Christmas in Middletown event, sponsored by the Lake County Fire Victims Relief Fund in cooperation with the Middletown Area Merchants Association, brought residents and visitors together to support local businesses who stayed open late and offered snacks and beverages to guests. The evening event promoted the Shop Middletown campaign which hopes to bring much-needed commerce to the local businesses who were affected by the fires.
“This event wouldn’t have been possible this year if it weren’t for the generosity of the over twelve thousand donors to the Lake County Fire Victims Fund,” said Martinez. “It was a wonderful opportunity to help bring holiday cheer to the Lake County community as they begin their recovery from the fires and get back on their feet.”
Above, right, a check representing the $2.2 million in donations to the Lake County Fire Victims Relief Fund was presented to Lake County firefighters and officials by Senator Mike McGuire, Redwood Credit Union President & CEO Brett Martinez and Press Democrat CEO Steve Falk.
Below, top, firefighters and Middletown residents listen as Senator Mike McGuire, Redwood Credit Union President & CEO Brett Martinez and Press Democrat CEO Steve Falk praise the community’s resilience following the Lake County wildfires
Below, bottom, notes of support and encouragement from donors to the Lake County Fire Victims Relief Fund were posted at the holiday pasta feed event at the South Lake County Fire Station in Middletown.