Letters to the Editor: Burbank restaurateur bans NFL games on Veterans Day weekend; Coordinating Council chief sends missive

I would hope that everyone will join me boycotting the NFL Veterans Day weekend for the disrespect shown by taking a knee during our national anthem.

The men and women that served and made the ultimate sacrifice deserve better. I am proud to say Gary Bric’s Ramp did not televise Thursday night’s game, nor will we televise day or night on Sunday, Nov. 12, nor the Monday night game on the 13th.

Gary Bric

Burbank

--

Last week the Burbank Coordinating Council hosted our second annual Spirit of Giving Luncheon to raise funds for the Holiday Basket program and to honor Bob Frutos and the Burbank Police Department.

We were also honored to welcome state Sen. Anthony Portantino, Assemblywoman Laura Friedman, past Mayor Mary Lou Howard, Vice Mayor Emily Gabel-Luddy, Councilwoman Sharon Springer, City Manager Ron Davis, Burbank Unified School District Supt. Matt Hill, and John Bodtke, representing Rep. Brad Sherman. Many other city and school district officials attended as well.

Our event included a terrific lunch from caterer Joy Cantrell, opportunity baskets, Campership Coffee, and music by Robin Randall with her students Astrid and Avery. We were thrilled to have many sponsors at various levels to contribute to the project.

We thank them all so very much: Capes 4 Cures, Cartoon Network, Burbank Water and Power, Burbank City Federal Credit Union, Sandy with Rocky and Lilly Thompson, Tim Behunin, Scott LaChasse, Michael Albanese, Don Brown, Emily Gabel-Luddy, Eric Deroian, MeneSweet, Roberta Reynolds, Cynthia Leva, Joan Graves, Mary Lou Howard, John’s Eat’N Park, Burbank Town Center, Valley funeral Home, and Providencia Elementary School.

In-kind donors included Burbank Printing, Martinos Bakery, HandyMarket, Portos Bakery, National Charity League, and Warner Bros. A shout out to Sister Regina Palamara and Brittany Baker for their help.

Special thank you to First Presbyterian Church of Burbank and the Rev. Ross Purdy for being our gracious hosts, and to Marsha Ramos for being the best mistress of ceremonies ever.

All of our joint efforts resulted in a profit amount which translates into food and gifts for 28 families, or, if the food drives are successful, gifts and grocery cards for 50 families. We call that a tremendous success.

It could not have happened without so many wonderful people attending and donating. Bless you all on behalf of the families we help each year.

We estimate more than 600 families will need our help and there are many things you can do to participate: adopt a family; donate gifts, gift cards, money; donate time to help at a food drive on Nov. 18 and/or Dec. 9; donate time to pack bags, build baskets or deliver them to families.

Details are on our website www.burbankcoordinatingcouncil.org or call (818-216-9377) or email ccholidaybaskets@aol.com.

Remember, helping these low-income families is a “feel good” program. Sign up today to really enjoy the holidays.

Janet Diel

President, Burbank Coordinating Council

Burbank