The Sandwich Angels Sonoma Fire Relief Volunteers

As everyone in California and the United States was aware, earlier in October of 2017, California’s North Bay experienced the worst fires in California’s history. It was one of the saddest times of my past five and a half years living in Northen California and it was devastating watching friends, peers, clients and restaurants and wineries I know and adore face these devastating fires.

After watching from a far (an hour South in San Francisco) I decided I wanted to do something in addition to raise money for those impacted by the fires. I was connected by a mutual friend with the Sandwich Angels who were making gourmet sandwiches and sharing with CAL Fire and other First Responders.

Read more about the two days I spent volunteering in Sonoma and thanks in advance to Lexus for sharing their incredible Lexus RX 450 H SUV with me to help get me up to Santa Rosa and to help transport the food we were making and sharing with First Responders and volunteers.

Sandwich Angels

This Lexus RX 450 H SUV was incredible to load food, drive around Santa Rosa and be able to reach the First Responders we were feeding with the amazing Sandwich Angels. 

Sandwich Angels

Deparitng San Francisco for Santa Rosa. This view is always one of my favorite whether I’m leaving San Francisco or returning home, so iconic.

 

Sandwich Angels

The assembly line as the Sandwich Angels made some breakfast burritos for the amazing Fire Fighters and First Responders.

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Sandwich AngelsSandwich Angels

Sandwich Angels

The car was loaded and we headed out to begin our delivery. Each run fed anywhere from 350 – 600 people. We stopped at three different locations where the Fire Fighters and First Responders were stationed and after seeing first hand these brave men and women at work I truly saw the impact the work of the Sandwich Angels was doing and the smiles we brought to their faces bringing delicious warm, home cooked meals during their 24-hour shift (which is what most of the Firefighters were working).

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Day two volunteering and the team hard at work making sandwiches for the lunch drop off.

Sandwich Angels

Quick trip to Safeway to get ice to keep all the donated product and sandwiches chilled between deliveries. This Lexus RX 450 H was perfect for loading with ice, food and extra gear. I’ve always loved a nice SUV as I am always loading wine, bags or running errands and this is a car I could totally use every day it has so much room yet is still so sporty!

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First stop at the Petaluma Airport feeding the CAL Fire team stationed here.

Sandwich Angels

My first encounter delivering dinner at the Petaluma Airport. I was beyond impressed that after almost a 24-hour shift the men and women were full of smiles, offering to help us unload the food and set up dinner. I mean, as if they hadn’t been working hard enough they continued to help, smile and have the most positive, contagious, optimistic attitude. THANK YOU Cal Fire and all the other amazing first responders who so bravely helped during Northern California’s time in need.

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Views of the CAL Fire helicopters from the Petaluma airport.

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Hanging with the CAL Fire team before leaving our dinner delivery. And our fearless leader Meredith (in the red top) who is the beyond generous, fabulous woman who created and lead the Sandwich Angels

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Some more of the brave rescue workers. They explained to me that they ride on the plains and helicopters dropping other fire materials to those on the ground fighting the fires.

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Stop #2 delivering dinner to more amazing First Responders

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Another one of our brave soldiers helping me unload dinner for the team.

A huge thanks to The Sandwich Angels leader Meredith for putting together this incredible group of people and feeding so many CAL Fire and other First Responders. It was amazing getting to volunteer and help your amazing group. Thanks for all that you did in feeding all of the amazing volunteers and first responders. 

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