Old Juan’s Cantina donates 5k to accessible children’s playground
Jack’s Helping Hand Co-founder Bridget Ready receives $5,000 donation from Old Juan’s Cantina Owner Eva Verdin.
–Earlier in December, Old Juan’s Cantina joined the effort to build a universally-accessible park for children of all abilities in Nipomo. The local Mexican restaurant recently presented Jack’s Helping Hand (JHH) co-founder Bridget Ready a check for $5,000 in support of the Jack Ready Imagination Park.
On Thursday, December 7, Old Juan’s Cantina had pledged to donate 50 percent of all sales throughout the day to the local non-profit organization. The crowds were bustling, with local residents, JHH supporters and visitors alike enjoying a meal while also supporting to a worthy cause.
For the past eight years, Old Juan’s Cantina has celebrated the season of giving by hosting a fundraiser for a local charity during the month of December. The family-owned restaurant’s dedication to family and community has been the driving force behind these fundraisers, and they have raised over $18,000 for local nonprofits since 2010.
“All of us at Jack’s Helping Hand are so grateful for the ongoing support from Old Juan’s Cantina, and especially for dedicating a whole day to us this year,” said Ready. “Our mission to create a universally-accessible park for all children to enjoy – regardless of their individual abilities – depends on the generosity of individuals, businesses and other nonprofits. It’s so wonderful to see the community come together in support of children battling cancer and with other special needs or disabilities.”
Jack’s Helping Hand, a nonprofit organization that aims to create community programs that meet the needs of children with cancer or special needs, is building the Jack Ready Imagination Park in Nipomo. The organization believes that all children deserve a community space where they can play alongside each other, regardless of all age or abilities. The Imagination Park will accomplish this, featuring a sensory garden, themed play structures, and even a therapeutic equestrian riding center, all easily accessible by foot, bike, stroller, wheelchair and walker.
“All of us at Old Juan’s are so excited to support such a great organization,” said Old Juan’s Cantina co-owner Eva Verdin. “We’re a family restaurant, and we want to support families in our community. Jack’s Helping Hand gives so much to others, we’re honored that we were able to give back to such a deserving organization by doing what we love, serving great food to our community.”
Located in Oceano, Old Juan’s Cantina was founded in 1976 by John “Old Juan” Verdin on the principles of “familia,” “comida” and “servicio.” Today, it is owned and operated by John’s grandchildren, Adam and Eva Verdin. The restaurant celebrated its 40th anniversary in 2016.
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