Community Corner

Celebrating a Half-Century by Giving Back

Resident is set to turn the big 5-0 on Saturday and she plans to celebrate her special birthday by raising funds for the Tri-Valley Haven food pantry.

Save the gifts, please. And oh, scratch that party.

Livermore-resident Deborah Talebi has a better idea to celebrate her upcoming birthday.

Talebi, who turns 50 on Saturday, has a goal of raising $10,000 for the Tri-Valley Haven food pantry. She'll match up to $5,000 of her own money. She began fundraising at the beginning of the month and has received $2,200 to date from family, friends and others in support of her effort.

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"I have been donating food to the Tri-Valley Haven food pantry for a few years and have been noticing the lines getting longer and the people more varied," Talebi said. "I wanted to do something for other people for my 50th birthday."

Talebi said she enjoys cooking and feeding folks — it used to be her profession as she has worked in restaurants and volunteered for non-profit, food-related organizations.

Talebi has lived in town with her husband since 2005.

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"I'm just looking forward to all those generous people I know in Livermore to come forward and help out!" she said. "I'm also looking forward to the next 50 years — I plan to live to at least 100!"

Talebi will continue to seek donations until the end of the month.

To donate visit the Tri-Valley Haven website or mail to 418 Junction Ave., Livermore, CA 94551. Please specify that your donation go to the food pantry fundraiser.


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