RANCHO MURIETA, CA (MPG) - A sellout crowd cracked crab, cheered teen servers and raised money for youth programs at the 12th Annual Crab Feed presented by the Rancho Murieta Kiwanis Club on Jan. 31 at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church.

Nearly 300 tickets were sold for the popular fundraiser, which traditionally sells out quickly. Ticket chair Jeanette Edwards said 296 tickets were sold, with about 90 released locally after sponsor allocations.

“We were sold out in two hours,” she said, noting that a line formed before sales even began. “We have such a supportive community. Everyone looks forward to the crab feed.”

In welcoming remarks, Kiwanis President Joanne Brandt thanked the Knights of Columbus and St. Vincent de Paul for use of the hall, recognized sponsors and volunteers, and singled out event co-chairs Bonnie Shewchuk and Dia Utterback for leading the effort.

Brandt also offered a special remembrance for longtime member Diann Swan, who recently died, assuring attendees that Swan’s “Sweats for Vets” project will continue.

Special guests included Rosario Rodriguez, Sacramento County District 4 supervisor; and David Villanueva, the county’s chief executive officer, who attended with his wife, Natalie Villanueva. Villanueva said the couple plans to move to Rancho Murieta.

For the second year, a team from the Elk Grove Lions Club catered the meal, cooking 1,100 pounds of crab and 900 pounds of shrimp. 

“We are a nonprofit with cooking skills helping other nonprofits do what they want to do,” said club administrator Jack Edwards, adding that all Lions cooks hold food-handler licenses.

The Knights of Columbus operated a no-host bar during the event, with proceeds benefiting Special Olympics of Northern California. John Slamkowski said they raised about $1,600.

“We appreciate the partnership with the Kiwanis Club,” he said. “We enjoy it. The cause is good, and we have always gotten good support from the people of Rancho Murieta.”

Twenty-four Key Club members from the Rancho Murieta Key Club, Pleasant Grove Key Club and Sheldon Key Club served the tables, many for the first time.

“The kids did great,” said supervisor Cookie Whalen, who worked alongside Patti Maffei.

Attendees praised the teens’ professionalism; their tips will support Key Club community projects, Whalen said.

The evening also featured raffle baskets, a silent auction and a dessert auction. Thirty-five cash donors contributed to the event. Final fundraising totals were not available as of press time and are expected after reconciliation in the coming weeks; last year’s crab feed raised about $38,000.

This year’s Diamond Sponsor was Rancho Murieta Homes and Land (Karen Hoberg). Gold sponsors included Firecode Safety Equipment, Bobo Construction, Town and Country Real Estate, Universal Custom Display and Supervisor Rodriguez.

Proceeds from the crab feed support Kiwanis programs that benefit local children and youth, continuing what Brandt described as the club’s mission of “making our children stronger and our communities better.”