On Tuesday, October 29, 2024, Woody's Restaurant in Grand Terrace hosted an extraordinary event to celebrate a significant milestone: the distribution of over 5,000 meals to children in the local community. Families gathered to mark this heartwarming achievement, which underscored the town’s commitment to caring for its youngest residents.
The evening’s highlight was a raffle offering a magical prize—four tickets to Disneyland, California. Excitement buzzed as families eagerly awaited the announcement of the lucky winners. Ultimately, the Chavez family was thrilled to receive the tickets, presented by Grand Terrace's former Mayor of Grand Terrace and beloved principle of Terrace View Elementary Maryetta Ferre. "Oh, I think Grand Terrace is still on the cutting edge, doing the right thing," Ferre remarked, capturing the essence of the town's spirit.
The event was a true community affair, with past, present, and future City Council members in attendance. Their presence exemplified the shared values and dedication that define Grand Terrace. Bill Hussey, Mayor of Grand Terrace, shared his pride in the restaurant’s role, saying, “I’m so glad that when you decided to come here, you opened up and became such a blessing.”
Mike Miller, reflecting on his journey to the city, credited Hussey for his involvement: “I think it was actually Bill's fault that I ended up here,” Miller joked. “He helped drag me over here, and I’m happy he did.” Hussey added with a laugh, “We were thumb wrestling, and I said, ‘You’ve got to come over here.’”
Council member Michelle Sabino expressed her appreciation for Woody's contributions, saying, “Without you, we wouldn’t have what makes Grand Terrace so great. You are our staple.” Her sentiments reflected the broader gratitude felt throughout the event.
While the evening celebrated the generosity of Woody's, it also served as a reminder of the profound impact of community-driven initiatives. The meals provided not only nourished local children but also symbolized the strength and kindness that make Grand Terrace unique.
As laughter and cheers filled the air, Machado Family Giving also brought smile to everyone's faces by giving out toys to all children who were in attendance.