GREAT EVENT FOR KIDS: You’re Invited to David & Margaret’s Barbecue Bash

Brighty, the LaVerneOnline dog, is ready for David & Margaret's Mascot Challenge, which will include Knott's Berry Farm's Charlie Brown, the Ontario Reign's The Knight, Jamba Juice's banana, the WNBA L.A. Sparks' Sparky and Wells Fargo's Jack the Dog.

You’re all invited to the biggest barbecue in La Verne on Saturday, June 19, 2010, from noon to 3 p.m. as David and Margaret continues its centennial celebration of service to the community.

Held on the main campus at 1350 Third St. in La Verne, David and Margaret will host non-stop fun and action geared for the entire family, including game booths, pony rides, bounce houses and a Battle of the Mascots challenge featuring not only Brighty, the LaVerneOnline dog, but Charlie Brown from Knott’s Berry Farm, The Knight from the Ontario Regin hockey team, Jamba Juice’s banana, the WNBA’s L.A. Sparks Sparky and Wells Fargo’s Jack the Dog.

“This mascot challenge is going to be crazy competitive,” said Theresa Macalino, publicity coordinator for David and Margaret. “I’ve heard through the grapevine that some of the mascots have been training secretly so they can bring home the ‘Best in the West’ mascot trophy.”

If any of the canine-inspired characters need their nails trimmed, Palace Pet Salon will be there offering $5 dog clippings, with all proceeds being donated to David and Margaret.

The dunk tank should also be a top attraction. Chamber of Commerce president/executive director Brian McNerney has volunteered to be a dunk-tank victim along with Charles Rich, David and Margaret’s executive director; Eric Cooper, coach of La Verne Lutheran’s state-champion basketball team; and Vince Perez, founder of the REN networking group.

Food will also be a bargain, with no dish costing more than $5. Vendors include Simply Sweet, make of delicious caramel apples; The Corner Butcher deli and meat market; Picante Mexican Restaurant; Jamba Juice; and Huntington Culinary, to name a few.

Parents can also use the event to have identification cards made for their children. New York Life is providing the free service, which includes a photo and fingerprints.

Looking for a bargain or that special Father’s Day gift? Many local businesses and supporters of David and Margaret have donated silent auction items. Donations, thus far, have come from Massage Envy, The Claremont Club, Candlelight Pavilion, Ellisse Custom Jewelry and Design, Stella and Dot Jewelry, Sanders Towing, and individual David and Margaret board members.

Although David and Margaret opened on June 28, 1910 as a house for six orphans, the all-girl facility has expanded to include an on-site school and a plethora of pro-active and outreach programs to help its young residents overcome challenges and make positive choices to become healthy, confident and productive citizens.

If you’ve never visited David & Margaret, make this Saturday your first time. The shady grounds are absolutely spectacular and a throwback to a time when La Verne was a sleepy in Southern California’s orchard belt – the perfect setting for a great backdoor barbecue.

For more information, please call Theresa Macalino at (909) 596-5921.