EBCOM’s largest, and very important, community service event – Holiday Dinner Drive 2025 has begun. For more than 20 years, through the generosity of EBCOM men and their families, friends and coworkers we have successfully given over 800 families a holiday feast that they otherwise would not have had.

On October 16, Daniel Kimble met with EOBA and a variety of constituents involved with pulling together this year’s event. It was an inspiring kick-off and really made it feel more real – it’s upon us!

Dawna’s goal for this year, with the support of the East Oakland Bridges Coalition, is to provide 5,000 meals to families in need. This is about 5x what we’ve done in the past! The good news is, we’re not the only fund-raisers involved so it’s not going to all fall on us. Also, EOBA has already arranged 1,700 turkeys donated and delivered, as well as refrigerated trucks to store the food.

Previously, there have been several different East Oakland organizations conducting holiday dinner drives at the same time. This consolidation of efforts through the East Oakland Bridges Coalition will both better serve the families in need and reduce the lift for any one organization. I recognize this is different than what EBCOM has done in the past (be the sole partner with EOBA on this), and I see this as an opportunity for progress to better serve the community, and to show our holiday spirit and desire to make a positive impact on the world.

Team captains have already heard from Rob Lewis (a member of the HDD 2025 production team) asking for each team to commit to raising $5k a piece. The fund-raising goal does not require the team to contribute that much. The expectation is to ask as many friends and family to participate as possible. We cannot do this alone and MUST ask for help! As Will Scott and others spoke to at our last Saturday meeting, you will be surprised at how many people are happy to give money to a good cause. Fear of rejection or shame around asking is understandable, but misplaced. Work through it, lean on your teams and fellow EBCOM members if you need to – all in service to becoming a better man and better serving our community.

Our overall goal for 2025, which I’ve now socialized with EOBA and EOBC, is $50,000 in funds raised by EBCOM. We’re certainly expecting others to contribute, but we need to raise the bar to match the raising of the bar Dawna and EOBA are doing. I know this may feel like a big stretch – let’s show them all how it’s done!

Here’s the link to make a donation yourself:
https://east-oakland-boxing-association.square.site/product/holiday-meal-sponsor/BJLRJAGRKFF6CP3EMHMNA7N7

And, here’s the link for volunteer sign-ups on Nov 21-22:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScx-8xjpzUCF5vV2J_Vn9j2RofQtoTtlVz_o18GWV_3qfxSGA/viewform

And attached are template letters (Community Partner | Friend/Neighbor/Co-Worker) you’re encouraged to use to ask family and friends to donate this year.

Thanks for doing everything you can to make this year’s Holiday Dinner Drive a smashing success!