Staff Report
Each November, the Santa Barbara community comes together to recognize and honor the local men and women in uniform who have served our country.
While the COVID-19 pandemic has forced restrictions on social gatherings, the Pierre Claeyssens Veterans Foundation (PCVF) has found a novel way to safely gather supporters and their families, and continue its annual Veterans Day celebration.
In place of the traditional formal Military Ball, PCVF is hosting a Veterans Day Night at the Drive-In on Friday, Nov. 11. Gates open at 4:30 p.m. at Goleta’s West Wind Drive-In, 907 Kellogg Ave., where those attending can pick up a gourmet barbecue boxed dinner and proceed to their parking space.
The program, starting at 5:30 p.m., will feature a stage show presentation, silent digital auction, and screening of the World War II movie “Memphis Belle,” starring Matthew Modine and Santa Barbara’s own Eric Stoltz.
General admission tickets may be purchased online at a cost of $50 per adult and $10 for children ages 10 and younger. Scholarships are available for veterans or those on active duty with proof of service required upon entry. Proceeds raised by the event will honor and support local veterans and those on active duty.
For tickets, visit www.pcvf.org.
“While the PCVF team takes the pandemic precautions very seriously, we also felt it was important to find a bit of normalcy; a meaningful way to continue our mission to remember and celebrate our veterans,” said PCVF co-founder Lt. John Blankenship (USN). “We decided that an enjoyable night out at the movies under a star-lit fall sky, surrounded by people who care about our men and women in uniform, yet safely socially distanced, was the perfect answer.
“To add to the festivities, we are asking attendees to show their patriotic spirit by decorating their car, which will also serve a dual purpose as their dining room and theater,” Blankenship added. “Entrants will be judged and prizes will be awarded for the most spirited vehicle.”
Sponsorships for Veterans Day Night at the Drive-In are available. Sponsoring organizations will be featured in PCVF audience program, on the big screen and on stage. Some sponsorship levels will feature the group’s logo in promotional materials and advertisements. For sponsorships, visit www.pcvf.org.
For more about Pierre Claeyssens Veterans Foundation, visit www.pcvf.org or call 805-259-4394.
