Some 500 people packed the Joe & Vi Jacobs Center on Friday for the 14th annual Celebrity Waiter Luncheon to benefit the STAR/PAL group helping inner-city young people.
And what celebrities!
Police Chief Shelley Zimmerman sang along with a guitar-strumming Brad Perry of KUSI. (See video.) About 10 Chargers players delivered dishes — including ones they autographed. San Diego Padres president and CEO Mike Dee brought along some players, including catcher Yasmani Grandal.
Sheriff Bill Gore was in the house along with San Diego Councilwoman Sherri Lightner. District Attorney Bonnie Dumanis came — as well as rival in the DA race Bob Brewer.
STAR/PAL stands for Sports Training Academics & Recreation/Police Athletic League — a nonprofit devoted to reaching thousands of children in need. Gene James is board chair, and Angie Reddish-Day is executive director.
The event, emceed by Padres broadcaster Mark Grant, was catered by Taste of Market Creek Events and Venues. A video was shown and live auction conducted by Scott Bowman.
Young fan holds up his autographed ball at STAR/PAL luncheon. Photo by Chris Stone
Padres CEO Mike Dee greets catcher Yasmani Grandal after making winning bid for his jersey. Photo by Chris Stone
Autographed Chargers footballs were among items sold at luncheon. Photo by Chris Stone
Some 500 people enjoyed celebrity waiters and lunch at the Joe and Vi Jacobs Center. Photo by Chris Stone
Chargers players Seyi Ajirotutut and Manti Te’o pose with fan at celebrity luncheon. Photo by Chris Stone
Chargers linebacker Manti Te’o jokes with teammate Seyi Ajirotutu at celebrity luncheon. Photo by Chris Stone
SWAT members were among those taking part in auction — an “ultimate SWAT experience.” Photo by Chris Stone
District attorney candidate Bob Brewer checks out autographed dish offered by Jeromey Clary of the Chargers. Photo by Chris Stone
San Diego Padres CEO Mike Dee cheers as his name is announced as winning bidder ($1,000) for an autographed Yasmani Grandal jersey. Photo by Chris Stone
Sheriff Gore offers souvenir pens and badges at luncheon. Photo by Chris Stone
San Diego Councilwoman Sherri Lightner donated money for a souvenir badge offered by Sheriff Bill Gore. San Diego Councilwoman Sherri Lightner
Superman fit the Superheroes Theme of the Celebrity Waiters Luncheon benefit for STAR/PAL. Photo by Chris Stone
SDSU basketball coach Steve Fisher acts was one of many celebrity waiters at annual STAR/PAL luncheon. Photo by Chris Stone
Members of the Chargers Girls cheerleading squad signed autographs at fundraiser. Photo by Chris Stone
Autographed Chargers Girls photos were used to raise money. Photo by Chris Stone
KUSI’s Brad Perry sings as Police Chief Zimmerman collects donations at luncheon. Photo by Chris Stone
District Attorney Bonnie Dumanis solicits donations for office T-shirt. Photo by Chris Stone
San Diego Unified School District Officer W. Corrado collects plates for luncheon delivery. Photo by Chris Stone
San Diego SWAT member Jason Scott serves lunch at STAR/PAL benefit. Photo by Chris Stone
Sheriff Bill Gore, La Mesa Police Chief Ed Aceves and District Attorney Bonnie Dumanis chat before the fundraiser. Photo by Chris Stone
Chargers linebacker Zach Boren poses with Police Chief Shelley Zimmerman before the luncheon. Photo by Chris Stone
Chargers players Manti Te’o and Jeromey Clary collect donations for dinner plates they signed. Photo by Chris Stone
Sheriff Bill Gore gestures upon his introduction. Photo by Chris Stone
