When it comes to luncheons, the Christmas one hosted by Sr. Ann Venita and her Ministry of Caring is the biggest event of the year.
Kayla Pierce echoed just that Thursday at the function open to all senior citizens regardless of their religious affiliations.
About 300 enjoyed lunch at the St. Anthony’s parish gymnasium.
“We put the sign-up sheet out about two months ago,” said Pierce, who is the activities director at Brookdale Manteca senior living facility. “It quickly filled.”
Those at Brookdale along with the other senior citizen facilities – St. Jude’s, The Commons, Valley CAPS El Rancho, to name a few – enjoyed a tasty catered meal, fellowship, and live entertainment.
The Double R band performed throughout the event.
The tap dancing group from the Manteca Senior Center put on a demonstration.
Youngsters from St. Anthony’s School performed Christmas carols, with the seventh-grade students from the school also doubling up as lunch servers / bus boys.
In addition, Sr. Ann and her group was extremely thankful to Brookdale, which, under the direction of head cook Luz Lopez, catered the holiday meal consisting of ham, mixed vegetables, yams, a dinner roll, and a slice of apple pie.

To contact reporter Vince Rembulat, e-mail vrembulat@mantecabulletin.com.