More than 50 student volunteers from Mesa Verde High School spent many hours working tirelessly in the Citrus Heights Community Center kitchen, making sure everyone was not for want of anything during the entire evening. Photo by Elise Spleiss

CITRUS HEIGHTS, CA (MPG) - On October 20, 2023, the Citrus Heights Homeless Assistance Resource Team (HART) hosted its 6th annual Spaghetti Fest at the Citrus Heights Community Center. This is the main fundraiser for the year to raise funds to help support the annual two-month Winter Sanctuary program, serve the unhoused and homeless in Citrus Heights by providing housing and rent assistance, plus providing programs for at-risk students from the San Juan Unified School District (SJUSD) and more.

Nearly 400 attendees arrived to enjoy the evening, meet old friends and make new ones. With such a large group attending from Citrus Heights and beyond, many used their time between getting refreshments and checking out the amazing silent auction and raffle items, to read the reserved table names and find friends and organizations they had lost touch with. It was a refreshing ‘old friends’ night.

The evening was “in memory of Jay Kays,” a guest of Winter Sanctuary since 2019 who lost his battle with cancer July of 2023. Throughout his ordeal HART provided needed services. Irene Hronicek spent many days with Jay, taking him to appointments and providing comfort and companionship during his final months. Another gift members of HART provide for their clients.

Master of Ceremony Mark Hronicek kicked off the evening welcoming attendees, and acknowledging dignitaries present, including members of the Citrus Heights City Council, Folsom Mayor Rosario Rodriquez, Folsom Vice Mayor YK Chalamcheria, and representatives from SJUSD.

Meanwhile, while attendees were enjoying the evening, dozens of students from the Mesa Verde High Key Club, Kiwanis Key Club, AVID – a college prep program, and Key Club Division 44 West were working hard to make the evening fun for all while earning community service hours.

Elena’s Kitchen and Catering provided a meal of all you can eat salad, spaghetti and meatballs, and bread. Desserts were purchased by those at each table to be shared.

The Rebel Creek Band performs during the 6th annual Spaghetti Fest at Citrus Heights Community Center. Photo by Elise Spleiss

Live band, Rebel Creek provided entertainment for the evening.

There were five award recipients:

Former HART client Debbie Bradford received the award for Outstanding Achievement from Julie and Thomas Woods. After 47 years of addiction and 25 years of being homeless while caring for her dogs, she took advantage of the resources available to her through the HART programs, Grace House and Foundation Church (formerly Antelope Road Christian Fellowship). Proving there is a way out of being homeless and addicted, she has been sober for over 6 months and is in transitional housing. Debbie volunteers at several local programs and continues to do what is needed to be successful.

Sunrise Christian Food Ministry Director April Jacek accepted the Outstanding Supporter of the Year Award in recognition of the ministry’s work with the homeless and others in need of supplementing their food. The ministry supplies items for the churches serving meals during HART’s Winter Sanctuary program each year as well as other programs year-round. They also help other nonprofits who serve the public save their own funds by providing them food for their clients.

Mark Duncan president of the Rotary Club of Citrus Heights accepted the award for Outstanding Partner award. As sponsors of the Spaghetti Fest for many years members are always being ready to help wherever needed, financially and otherwise.

Community Health Worker Gabby Yost introduced Julie and Thomas Woods with the ‘Outstanding Faith Based Organization’ for opening the doors of Living Water Christian Fellowship to establish a much-needed Monday homeless day respite center for upwards of 40 unhoused clients weekly.  

After years of service, Irene Hronick, Chair of Citrus Heights HART Board of Directors, was awarded Outstanding Volunteer for her unending work in all areas of HART and those supporting the homeless and unhoused residents of Citrus Heights.

Sponsors for the evening were John Youril & Margaret Cleek, County Supervisor Sue Frost, City of Citrus Heights, Sunrise Marketplace, Fair Oaks Church, Ascension Church, Murad Sarame, California American Water and dessert sponsors, Nugget Market and Abby Marsh.