RMHC Oktoberfest & Friends

Del Sur Ranch House | October 11, 2025

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Some gatherings nourish more than just your body—they nourish a mission. Ronald McDonald House Charities of San Diego hosted its annual Oktoberfest with Friends at the Del Sur Ranch House, bringing together donors, supporters, volunteers, and longtime champions of the cause for an autumn evening rooted in generosity and community.

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With nearly 200 guests in attendance, this fundraiser blended the comfort of Bavarian-inspired food with the deeper purpose of supporting families with children receiving critical medical care. It was one of those rare events that felt festive and meaningful all at once.

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An Event That Felt Like Coming Together for a Purpose

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Set against the rustic charm of the Del Sur Ranch House, the evening unfolded across warm wood textures, glowing bar setups, and the hum of a bustling kitchen. Two bars poured local cider, wine, and German-inspired brews. Supporters wandered between food stations, silent auction tables, and cozy seating areas as the sun dipped behind the hills.

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Chef Joann kicked off the night with a welcome and a menu rundown—a tradition many guests look forward to each year. The energy was warm, lively, and unmistakably communal, the perfect expression of an event that exists to lift families in their most vulnerable moments.

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A Bavarian-Inspired Menu Designed for Celebration

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For this year’s Oktoberfest, we created an interactive, comfort-forward menu inspired by German fall flavors—and designed to keep people mingling.

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Tray-Passed Seasonal Bites

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These hors d’oeuvres floated through the crowd as guests arrived:

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• Mini Chicken Schnitzel Skewers with Lemon-Herb Aioli
  
  
• Pork Sausage–Stuffed Mushrooms with Autumn Herbs
  
  
• Vegan Beet Tartare on Cucumber Rounds
  
  
• Crispy Potato Canapés with French Onion Cream

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A little crunch, a little cozy, and a lot of smiling guests.

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Interactive Food Stations That Drew a Crowd

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Bavarian Brat Bar

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A hearty nod to tradition, complete with:

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• Organic pork, poultry, and vegan bratwurst
  
  
• Pretzel rolls & lettuce wraps
  
  
• Sauerkraut, beer-braised onions, spicy mustard
  
  
• Dill pickles & apple slaw

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This station stayed busy all night—there’s something about brats and pretzels that brings people together.

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Crispy Kartoffel Kitchen

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Our twist on the German potato celebration featured:

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• Potato pancakes with applesauce
  
  
• Chive sour cream & horseradish crème
  
  
• Wild mushroom ragout
  
  
• Smoked salmon
  
  
• Roasted squash, beet & quinoa salad with apple cider vinaigrette

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It was earthy, warm, and seasonal—the kind of food that feels like fall.

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A Sweet Finish With a Festival Spirit

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Desserts rolled out at 7:30 pm as we flipped one of the stations to a cozy sweet table with checkered linens:

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• Apple Strudel Cups
  
  
• Black Forest Mousse Cups
  
  
• Warm Cinnamon Almond Petit Fours with Cider Glaze

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Just sweet enough to wrap up the night.

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Thoughtful Details That Made the Night Seamless

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Ronald McDonald House Charities handled theonsite details with their signature care, while we transformed the kitchen and dining room into a smooth-running culinary hub. From the garnish-forward signature cocktail (the Golden Hour Spritz) to compostable dinnerware for a low-waste event, every detail aligned with the spirit of giving.

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Behind the scenes, our team worked with:

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• Full onsite kitchen access
  
  
• Double buffet stations
  
  
• Two themed bars
  
  
• A full suite of rentals, linens, glassware, and service equipment

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When a nonprofit invests so much heart into its mission, we meet it with an equal level of hospitality.

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Why Events Like This Matter

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Oktoberfest with Friends isn’t just a fundraiser. It’s a lifeline.

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Each plate served, each bid placed, and each conversation shared helps families stay close to their children as they receive life-saving care. It’s food with a purpose—and evenings like this create ripples of impact long after the final dessert spoon is set down.

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We were honored to support the mission of Ronald McDonald House Charities of San Diego, an organization that provides housing, meals, and emotional support to thousands of families every year.

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Partnering With Purpose-Driven Organizations Across San Diego

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Chef Joann & Co. is proud to support nonprofit and philanthropic events throughout the region—from charity galas and donor dinners to community fundraisers and awareness events. Our team understands the unique rhythm of mission-centered gatherings: the flow, the tone, the meaning behind every moment.

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Whether you’re planning a fundraiser, donor appreciation event, charity gala, or community celebration, we’d love to help you bring your vision to life.

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Good food creates connection. Meaningful events create impact. And when the two come together, something powerful happens.

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