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www.deltalivingmagazine.com
January – March 2014
grandma, Jenny Barbee.
“She was our neighbor across
the street when we lived in An-
tioch and just became a huge part
of our lives,” said Clara.“She’s tak-
en Jessyca back and forth to many
doctor visits in Oakland, she’s
helped with my son Raymond
and she’s just been my right arm
all these years.”
Integral to coordinating the
dinner at Oakley’s Black Bear
Diner for Jessyca and her family,
was Francoise Monet of Redwood
City, a Make-A-Wish Foundation
representative for the last seven
years.
“We have a great relationship
with Jimmy and Brenda at Black
Bear Diner. They are wonder-
ful and have supported Make-A-
Wish for several years,” said Fran-
coise.“They go above and beyond
in hosting a dinner for the wish
families.”
Francoise, who is from Bel-
gium, and has lived in the Unit-
ed States for 10 years, believes in
Make-A-Wish.
“It’s a great foundation. The
work we do on a daily basis is
to bring hope, strength and joy
to families during a very difficult
time in their life,” she said. “I’m
honored to be part of this orga-
nization and to be able to give
back by fulfilling local wishes in
the area.”
Brenda D’Amico said Gorilla
Rilla arrived earlier than expected,
bearing gifts.
“He presented Jessyca with
an autographed Raider’s football
signed by her favorite players, Dar-
ren McFadden (“D-Mac” Raider’s
running back) and Marcel Re-
ece (Raider’s fullback), along with
other gifts,” said Brenda. “He also
passed along faith-driven, sincere
well-wishes and encouragement
on behalf of the Raider Nation.
Republic of Cupcakes supplied the
peppermint cupcakes for dessert.”
The restaurant raises money
each December by selling stars
and donating $1 from the sale of
a specific, special dessert, which
changes from year-to-year. Not
only is the dinner donated, own-
ers Jimmy and Brenda always go a
step further with the family.
“I made Jessyca a smaller-sized
Raider’s afghan, outlined in red;
because she wrote that was her
favorite color,” added Brenda, of
Oakley. “Jimmy led the family in
prayer before eating, blessing them
all.
To make a donation today,
visit www.sfwish.org.
Photo courtesy of
Brenda D'Amico
(L-R) Jimmy D’Amico with Jessyca Abuan, Gorilla Rilla (who came to the Oakley
Black Bear Diner after the Raiders verses Kansas City Chiefs football game) and
Brenda D’Amico.
Jessyca Abuan was excited to receive the Raiders afghan made for her by Brenda
D’Amico, holding the other end up.
Jessyca Abuan with her boyfriend Jacob Walden of Antioch, enjoyed a dinner hosted by Black Bear Diner, with eight other
family members.