SCROLL TO READ THIS MONTH'S STORIES
YOU BUILT THIS: A NEW ERA OF DIGNITY AND CHOICE
HOW IT ALL BEGAN
DONOR'S CORNER
IN MEMORY OF JOYCE CERIMELE
CAUGHT IN THE ACT
RECORD-BREAKING SUCCESS AND MILESTONE REACHED
EAGLE SCOUT CREATES COMMUNITY SPACE
IT’S THAT TIME OF YEAR
SERVING TEAMS CALENDAR
MEMORIALS
and there might even be an additiional tidbit or two!
YOU BUILT THIS: A NEW ERA OF DIGNITY AND CHOICE AT BROTHER BENNO’S
BY EMILY HASTING, Grants Director & Food Recovery and Redistribution Director
When the doors opened to our new Indoor Market this summer, something powerful took shape—Guests were no longer just receiving food; they were invited to choose it in a space designed for dignity, autonomy, and welcome.
This transformation was built—by you. Volunteers painted walls, assembled shelves, and stocked freezers. Donors provided funding, food, and encouragement. Recovery Program participants sorted and moved thousands of pounds of rescued goods. Staff and board members united around a common vision. What was once a dream is now a reality because of your generosity and belief in our mission.
Previously, our food distribution took place outdoors, with Guests selecting from available items and filling boxes in a loosely organized, weather-dependent setup. While functional, the experience lacked privacy, consistency, and access to perishables like dairy and frozen foods. The new Indoor Market changes that—offering clean, accessible aisles, cold storage, and a respectful, grocery-style experience.
Now, parents shop for what their families will eat. Seniors browse with dignity. One Guest shared, “It feels like I’m a person again—not just someone in line for a handout.”
This isn’t just a new building—it’s a new approach. By prioritizing choice, consistency, and compassion, we’ve elevated how we serve—and how our Guests are seen.
To every volunteer, donor, and supporter who made this possible: you built this. And with your continued support, we’ll keep building hope, one shopping cart at a time.
If you're looking for a way to get involved, we welcome you! email us at MarketVolunteers@brotherbenno.org
LOOKING BACK AT HOW IT STARTED
October is anniversary month for Brother Benno’s. We’ve now been serving the poor and homeless for 42 years! It’s doubtful that our Founders, Harold and Kay Kutler, could have foreseen how their venture would grow from its modest beginnings into the widely encompassing outreach it is today.
In his book, Soup Soap Hugs Hope, the Story of Brother Benno’s Life-Changing Soup Kitchen, Harold wrote: “The Brother Benno Kitchen opened on October 21, 1983, and Brother was there with a big cauldron of soup he’d made at the Abbey. Twenty-one guests showed up– three were Kay’s and my teenagers, and the other 18 were male street people."
"Brother talked to them all and made them feel welcome. For the first few weeks, Brother Benno came every night with food he’d prepared, until we slowly got a handle on cooking our own food. After that, he came about three times a week while he was on his evening furniture run, to say hello to us and our guests. Kay usually got him up on our stage to tell a few of his corny jokes. . . . ”
Since then, Brother Benno’s moved to the Center on Production Avenue and services have expanded to meet the needs of our community. This would not have been possible without the generous and unwavering support YOU, our volunteers, donors and supporters have provided.
You are a testament to the good we can do when we come together with a shared mission.
DONOR'S CORNER
Dear Friends, Supporters, and Donors of Brother Benno’s,
Both the September 9th Golf Tournament and the Indoor Market Grand Opening on the 10th went really well. Both were well attended with a lot of positive media coverage. Our guests enjoy the new market. All who worked on it are proud of the finished product. Please come by and take a look. We think we have remained faithful to Harold’s vision.
The ‘new’ offices on the second floor should be completed mid- October. Those of us doubling up in offices hope for a sooner date but mid-October seems realistic.
We have some important and fun events coming up in the next few months. First, we have the Thanksgiving and Christmas holiday dinners. Because we try to make them special, our need for volunteers goes up a bit. Please contact Elias at volunteers@brotherbenno.org if you’re interested in serving.
On December 5, a 35-member concert brass band will be giving a holiday performance at the Center. You and other supporters are invited – we hope you can attend. More details will be forthcoming.
The Children’s Christmas party will be on December 13. Alycia Anthony has volunteered to serve as our Chair for the committee. There will be a few changes from what you may remember in the past-one being the party will be returning to the Center.
Finally, let me close once again with one of the great truths of our organization, we couldn’t do it without you, so, thank you and -
God bless you all!
Mac
IN MEMORY OF JOYCE CERIMELE
BY KATHLEEN DIEHLMANN, Director of Development
With sorrow, we announce that a member of the Brother Benno’s family, Joyce Cerimele, died on August 29th.
Joyce served as the Auxiliary co-president with Nita Rodriguez in 2019 and then as president until the Auxiliary disbanded in February 2022. Before her role as president, Joyce also served as secretary of this valued social and fundraising arm of The Brother Benno Foundation. Joyce’s beloved husband, Frank, was also a dedicated volunteer with the Auxiliary.
“Joyce had so much enthusiasm and wanted to serve Brother Benno’s with her whole heart,” shared Nita Rodriguez. “She was always willing, and whenever there was a need, she would step up.”
During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, Joyce and Frank made and donated over 500 disposable masks for Brother Benno’s guests. They were also supporters of Brother Benno’s annual golf tournament.
“Joyce was truly a remarkable person and a wonderful colleague,” shares Belinda Smith. “I first met Joyce as a member of the Auxiliary where her leadership helped guide and sustain the Auxiliary through its final years.”
Thankfully, Joyce’s dedication and contributions to The Brother Benno Foundation didn’t end when the auxiliary did.
“When I reached out to ask if Joyce would join the scholarship committee, I didn’t know if she’d be interested,” said Belinda Smith. “I was so pleased when she agreed. Joyce did not hesitate to advocate for applicants she felt deserved a scholarship often funding extra scholarships to ensure applicants falling just outside the ‘top 20’ would receive some assistance. I will always remember her warmth and generous spirit.”
Joyce will be sorely missed by all who knew and loved her at Brother Benno’s.
CAUGHT IN THE ACT
Community Partners, Supporters & Volunteers Making a Difference
We caught Leila Loya volunteering in the Indoor Market as she was preparing signs for the shelves and refrigerators. When asked about why she volunteered for Brother Benno's she replied, "I love volunteering here...The Foundation, the programs...there's a lot of purpose here and I love that and that's why I'm here."
Thank you Dennis Pinnick for catching her in the act!
They say it takes a village, and it really does to hold a successful golf tournament. We caught a team of volunteers from TaylorMade there lending many hands. Thank you team TaylorMade!
This industrious group helped complete Ysabel Brenner's Eagle Scout project. Ysabel did a fantastic job leading her group. You can read more about her and the project below. They received valuable lessons and Brother Benno's received a wonderful gift! (Ysabel is in the center wearing the navy cap.)
RECORD-BREAKING SUCCESS AND MILESTONE REACHED
BY CHUY REYNA and AMY SELICH, Golf Committee Co-Chairs
We are thrilled to announce that our 7th Annual Charity Golf Tournament on September 9 at Goat Hill Park has achieved a remarkable milestone. The Tournament raised over $480,000, a single-tournament record, bringing the seven-year total to over $1.3 million for Brother Benno's Foundation.
This was possible with the support of our sponsors and generous donors, including Title sponsors, Outerknown and C3bank and Masters sponsors ADP, Austin Surf Club, Allgire General Contractors, Firewire and Phi Health, along with Kelly Slater Surf Ranch and Slater Designs who were generous donors.
The heart and soul of our support comes from 11-time world champion surfer Kelly Slater, who generously gives his time, influence, and financial support every year, including hosting a VIP event at Outerknown Carlsbad the night before, donating 25 percent of the proceeds to the Tournament. He is a true inspiration for all.
Our Hole sponsors helped us educate the golfers on the services provided by Brother Bennos. Many generous donors and local businesses came to provide food and drink along the course and top-notch items or experiences for our silent and live auctions. With the golfers and a growing group of supporting friends, we joyfully raised a record amount and grew awareness of all the good Brother Benno's does for the community.
The golfers started the day with a sandwich lunch lovingly supplied by Craig "Pelon" Mercer and his team. Brother Benno's staff and our tournament volunteers came forward to make the day smooth and seamless for all involved. Special thanks to Jeff Epp and Dennis Pinnick for sharing their thoughts about Brother Bennos with our golfers and supporters. Since the beginning, we have sponsored active-duty military golfers to join the fun provided by Camp Pendleton's Surf Club, which also offered surf-power for the day.
Once again, we were fortunate to have Todd Glaser, local San Diego professional "surfer" photographer to capture the fun of the day that included professional surfers Rob Machado and Tahiti big wave rider Raimana Van Bastolaer.
The local media also discovered how special and unique our Tournament is, with coverage from CBS8's Shawn Styles, an enthusiastic surfer, Fox 5 San Diego, KUSI TV, Channel 10 and many others who interviewed Kelly Slater, Chuy Reyna, Paul "Mac" McNamara, Jeff Epp, DinaMarie Ahee and AL Moyer, CEO of C3bank.
Many angels guided our success this year, including Linda Engstrom, an original committee member who created our signage for years, and Joyce Cerimele, who helped to launch the Tournament seven years ago as an original sponsor of the Tournament. We are heartbroken by their passing this year.
A heartfelt thanks to this year's Tournament committee, who give their time, talents, sweat and heart to design an experience that honors the spirit of Harold and Key and celebrates Brother Bennos. This year's committee members are DinaMarie Ahee, Kathleen Diehlmann, Anna Meyer, Hunter Ricci, Nita Rodriguez, Tim Rusch, Susan Somers, Elias Velazquez, Sue Westland, Craig Yates, with Board Member Jeff Bizzack and Co-Chairs Chuy Reyna and Amy Selich.
Together, we all achieved something extraordinary this year. Here is to even greater successes in the future! To view photos of the Tournament or see our sponsors, visit brotherbenno.org/golf2025.
EAGLE SCOUT CREATES COMMUNITY SPACE AT BROTHER BENNO'S
Ysabel Brenner, Cathedral Catholic High School Junior, St. Elizabeth Seton parishioner, and member of Scouting America Troop 2000 in Encinitas, recently completed an Eagle Scout project that will benefit Brother Benno's community for years to come. Working alongside nine volunteers including parents and fellow scouts, Ysabel designed and constructed a large custom table for the patio area.
Ysabel's connection to Brother Benno's began through her volunteer service at the Center. "I was volunteering here at Brother Benno's in the morning and I was in need of an Eagle Scout project," Ysabel explained. She collaborated with "Cowboy" Rob Sanchez, Brother Benno's Director of Operations, to identify a meaningful project.
The solution was a custom outdoor table to complement Brother Benno's newly constructed pergola. Ysabel modified an existing picnic table design, creating a piece that seats up to 12 people and serves as both an area of rest and gathering place for program members and staff.
Taking full responsibility for gathering materials and coordinating construction, Ysabel demonstrated true leadership throughout the project. The table was built entirely onsite at Brother Benno's with materials donated by Lowes Carlsbad #2331 thanks to the support of Assistant Store Manager, Rachel Frumess. Ysabel directed her team of volunteers through the process.
Ysabel's project exemplifies the Eagle Scout tradition of creating lasting positive change through community service and youth leadership. Additional photos of the project build can be seen on our Facebook page here.
Thank you Rob Sanchez and the Brenner family for helping us capture the details and essence of this generous project for our readers!
IT'S THAT TIME OF YEAR!
October is the month we kick off our Children's Christmas Party Gift Drive. You can help by
- Donating funds ON LINE or by check with THIS FORM
- Donating $25 Walmart Gift Cards, or even
- Hosting a Drive at your workplace or with friends to collect gift cards
Together, we can make this Christmas especially Merry & Bright for Brother Benno's needy children!
WE HAVE OPENINGS FOR SERVING TEAMS
Every orange "OPEN" in the calendar is an opportunity to serve.
Interested in serving during one of our openings? Contact servingteams@brotherbenno.org. We'll fill you in on all the details.
OCTOBER MEMORIALS
Joyce Cerimele
Antonio and Perla Dimapilis
Lewis Gray
Jeanne Grier
Joan Jeske
Robin McMullan
Elizabeth Parrish
Ron Stauffer
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At The Brother Benno Foundation, we respect everyone who comes to us for help – and many are working toward a fresh start in life. So while their stories are true, guest names and images may have been changed to protect their privacy. Thank you for understanding.
“May the start of October remind you: you are worthy of new beginnings. You are worthy of finding joy in this season, no matter what is still unknown.”
~ Morgan Harper Nichols
