Fiesta at United Methodist in Colton Raises Funds

The United Methodist Church (UMC) of Colton at 625 West Laurel held a Fiesta on July 19 to raise funds for church remodeling. With an all-you-can-eat luncheon featuring Mexican favorites like chile verde, chile colorado, rice, beans and tortillas, the UMC supporters ate their meals while listening to music by Mariachi San Martin de Riverside. Tables were decorated with brightly colored maracas, sombreros and bowls of chips and salsa. Children danced under festive trees as people came together to laugh and talk, catching up on family and friends and their everyday lives. Joey Reyes acted as event coordinator and host for the event while his wife Debbie made sure all was running well in the kitchen. Reyes’ sisters Mona Decorse, Barbara Reyes and Dee Dee Castro cooked all of the food, with Decorse and Reyes coming all the way from Arizona to help out the fundraising effort. Senior Pastor Taike Lolhea was in attendance, and Assistant Pastor John Atu helped serve food to those who came out to support the church's event. Tahoa Feaomoeata, Finance Chair of the church, said the monies raised would be used to remodel their hall. The church was also raffling off large baskets of goodies to aid the fundraiser. Jeanine Grootuis, a 44-year member of the UMC had been one of the biggest Fiesta luncheon ticket sellers, and stopped to purchase some of the raffle tickets. She recalled fond memories of the church, saying, “I had my wedding here many years ago and all my memories here have been very good.”