By SDCN Staff
Encinitas, CA–Rise and Shine Hospitality Group will host its 14th annual Christmas dinner for active-duty military personnel and veterans on Thursday at its Breakfast Republic location in Encinitas.
Founder and CEO Johan Engman announced the event, which is expected to serve approximately 300 guests arranged through the Wounded Warrior Project. Attendance has increased steadily since the inaugural dinner in 2011, which served 70 guests, and is up from 250 last year.
The complimentary dinner will be served from noon to 3 p.m. Children attending the event will receive toys donated through toy drives organized by the Rob Benzon Dan Ferbal Foundation and Jagger and Kristi. Santa Claus is also scheduled to attend and greet families.
“It is important for me to help make it the most wonderful time of year for those who need that extra support,” Engman said. “Our military families deserve so much, and then some.”
The menu, prepared by Rise and Shine Chef Danny Villegas, includes roasted turkey with gravy, roast beef with au jus, mashed potatoes, sweet potato casserole, green bean casserole, roasted vegetables, Caesar salad, macaroni and cheese, and pecan, apple and pumpkin pies.
Breakfast Republic Encinitas is located at 251 N. Camino Real. More information about Rise and Shine Hospitality Group’s charitable initiatives is available on the company’s website.
