Saturday, October 11, 2025 — The halls of Vacaville Moose Lodge 1967 were brimming with warmth, gratitude, and a spirit of community as friends, family, and members came together for a sold-out pasta feed fundraiser. The goal: to rally around the Luna family and their 15-year-old son, who is courageously battling stage 4 colon cancer. What transpired was a stirring example of small-town solidarity, compassion, and the powerful impact of many hearts working toward one cause.
From the moment doors opened, the lodge was filled with laughter, hugs, and the aroma of simmering sauce and fresh pasta. The Vacaville Junior Bulldog cheerleaders donned aprons and moved with purpose, serving heaping plates of spaghetti, garlic bread, salad, and more to every guest. Their energy and smiles kept spirits high as volunteers hustled behind the scenes.
In between courses, the crowd turned its attention to the raffle tables. Local businesses and donors had generously contributed dozens of prizes—gift baskets, restaurant gift cards, electronics, handcrafted items, and more. Tickets flew off tables, and excited murmurs echoed as winners were announced. A lively dessert auction followed: decadent cakes, pies, and specialty treats drew spirited bidding from a room already emotionally invested.
But the evening’s most poignant moment came when Matt Luna, father of the boy at the heart of this effort, rose to speak. His voice trembled at first, then steadied as he looked across the crowd. With tears in many eyes, he thanked coaches, friends, family, Moose Lodge members, and every volunteer who made the night possible. He spoke of the fear, uncertainty, and heartbreak his family has faced, and of how in this time of need, the community had shown up. “We don’t walk this road alone,” he said, pausing as the room fell silent. Not a dry eye remained as applause and hugs followed.
Behind the scenes, booth by booth, the lodge volunteers moved like clockwork: setting tables, clearing plates, cashing raffle tickets, managing the auction, coordinating with cheerleaders, and offering smiles and words of comfort to guests. Moose members, too, were in full force—greeting, serving, donating, and encouraging one another. Many families and longtime friends of the Luna’s came from near and far to show their support, reinforcing just how far this community’s love stretches.
As the evening drew to a close, it became clear that the fundraiser had not only met expectations—it soared past them. The final tally, still being tabulated at event’s end, reportedly exceeded the initial goals by a considerable margin. Plans are now in place for a ceremonial check presentation to the Luna family later this week, in front of community members who have become like extended family.
This night was never just about pasta or prizes. It was about standing together in adversity, giving what we can—time, money, compassion—and telling one family, loud and clear: you are not alone. The fundraising event at Moose Lodge 1967 will be remembered for the tears, the laughter, the fierce generosity, and above all, the love.
Special gratitude goes to every Moose Lodge volunteer who worked tirelessly, to the Vacaville Junior Bulldog cheerleaders for their cheerful service, to donors and raffle supporters, and to every attendee whose presence mattered more than words. The Luna family’s path is still hard, but after October 11, they walk it surrounded.
