Los Gatos Lions Get Ready For Cioppino Charity Dinner

The Los Gatos Lions Club presents its 21st cioppino dinner and charity fundraiser at 6 p.m. Saturday, March 2 at St. Mary's Church, 219 Bean Ave.

The event, which attracts about 300 people, generally sells out due to the succulent nature of the feast once again being prepared by former Plumed Horse Chef Tom Crumpton.

The $45 ticket includes the delicious a seafood stew, antipasto, bread, coffee and dessert. Beer and wine will be sold on site.

The silent and live auction auctions are possible thanks to the generous donations from local businesses as well as individuals gifting private dinners, vacation home stays, wine, golf outings, luncheons with local politicians and other popular auction items, said event spokesman Don Purkey.

The event, which takes place inside the church's Howley Hall, usually raises more than $20,000 with all profits providing services, training, and support for blind and sight-impaired people in the community.

The Lions provide eye examinations, glasses and other vision aids to those in need and also supports the Lions Eye Foundation and the Santa Clara County Blind Center, according to Purkey.

The auction provides funds for Los Gatos High School educational programs and the Los Gatos Children’s Christmas Parade, he added.

Event chairman Steve Nutting will work with more than 100-plus Los Gatos Lions and 25 members of Leadership, Expertise, Opportunity, or LEO, a LGHS student organization supported by the club, Purkey said.

Details: 408-356-1266.