by Sara Marina Sanchez Fife, Student Journalist –

(Richmond, California) – The night was cold, but the smiles were warm. Salesian’s 60th Annual Crab Feed was a popular one, with sold-out tickets for both nights. People were so excited that they came 30 minutes before the event even started to be a part of this amazing night with their friends and family. 

As a server, you could see the joy in the air. We were ready to keep this amazing tradition alive, putting away our belongings and joining our pair for the tables we were going to be serving for the rest of the night. As guests came in, there were countless alumni meeting together like old friends. Many were experienced,  coming prepared with lemons, crab shuckers, and butter. However, in contrast, many were also attending the event for the first time. 

Before the crab was cracked, however, there were numerous fundraisers going on as well. There was a 50/50 raffle, where half of the money goes to the winner, half goes to the school, as well as a silent auction featuring items that were generously donated by our supporters. Before you knew it, the food was about to come out, but not without an introduction from Principal Farr.  

As the servers went around the back waiting to serve, we could feel a connection between everyone. We talked to people we never thought of before, feeling ready to complete a common goal. Plates were handed out with excitement, albeit with a bit of frustration, as it had been about an hour and a half since the event started at this point. Once the food came out, though, there seemed to be a sense of ease washing over the crowd as they started to eat the delicious salads. A big hit of the night was the potato salad!. Once they were done with the appetizers, the actual star of the show came out, the crab 🦀.

Once the crab was out, it quickly ended up in the guests’ stomachs in seconds. Having tried some later that night, I could understand why. Working alongside my partner, we ensured everyone was comfortable and able to get what they wanted. As the night went on, I noticed many new friends at my table. Almost everyone was talking to each other, bonding over the connections made possible by the meal in front of them. Before you knew it, it was time for dessert, which were cupcakes. 

Walking around, there was the option between vanilla and chocolate cupcakes. All the servers were helping out organizing the flavors, as one pair could only take one flavor. The cupcakes were yet another great hit of the night with many people asking for seconds. People were talking about how they were the perfect amount of sweetness and moistness. 

As the night was coming to a close, there were many birthdays to celebrate, and the entire gym erupted in happy birthday cheers. Near this time, the long-awaited winner of the 50/50 raffle was also drawn. 

Finishing up the night, we gave back our aprons and started cleaning up, giving back all the trays with the food. We threw out all the trash and finally got to see the fruits of our labor when the tips started coming in. Aside from the tips, seeing the money raised for the school was a great thing to see.

Once we finished up, we went to the back and got to enjoy the pizza generously supplied by the school, ending off a great night on a great note. “Seeing all the different families interacting and enjoying their time together created a feeling, one you’d see as if we were one big family,” says senior Alyssa Nichols.

Thank you to everyone who came, the teachers and staff who volunteered their time, and to all the amazing servers.

Student Editor: Dylan Lavitoria.

Photo Credit: Ethan Lueng