March 28, 2025 #1 Local News, Forum, Information and Event Source for Venice Beach, California.

Fia Restaurant Honors Veterans with a Special Thanksgiving Lunch in Santa Monica

Chef Scott Erickson, a Former U.S. Marine, Leads Fia’s Efforts to Give Back

This Thanksgiving, Fia Restaurant extended its commitment to the community by donating a special Thanksgiving lunch to The Veterans Collective and U.S. Vets, an organization dedicated to supporting America’s veterans.

We spoke to one of the veterans to find out more about her life on the VA Campus:

For Fia’s Executive Chef Scott Erickson, a former U.S. Marine, this initiative is deeply personal. Chef Erickson credits his military service with shaping his values of duty, camaraderie, and resilience—principles he carries into his culinary work. “Giving back to those who have served is not just an act of kindness; it’s a reflection of the bonds we share as a community,” said Erickson.

Another special surprise was the arrival of Santa and Mrs.Claus to greet and take photos with the veterans. 

This traditional Thanksgiving meal was prepared with Fia’s signature quality and care. “This is more than just a meal,” Erickson emphasized. “It’s a way to show our gratitude and respect for the sacrifices made by our nation’s veterans.” By partnering with The Veterans Collective and U.S. Vets, Fia hopes to bring warmth and support to the community of veterans who have given so much.

Fia Restaurant invites others to join in honoring veterans this Thanksgiving by finding ways to give back and support those who have served. Together, the community can make the holiday season a meaningful time of appreciation and connection.

Related Posts

Cinque Terre West Reopens in Venice After Palisades Closure

March 27, 2025

March 27, 2025

The Vinzonis have now joined The Colony, a food hall in Venice, to continue serving their signature dishes Nine months...

Marina del Rey Anglers Release Thousands of Juvenile White Seabass to Boost Local Fisheries

March 26, 2025

March 26, 2025

Since its founding in 1975, MDRA has released approximately 136,000 white seabass into local waters The Marina del Rey Anglers...

Pavilions Motel Ordered to Close After Public Nuisance Ruling

March 26, 2025

March 26, 2025

The ruling means the motel must shut down and cannot reopen under the current ownership for at least one year...

Venice Shorts: Hinano Cafe’s Renovated Outdoor Seating Under Construction

March 26, 2025

March 26, 2025

Burger & Beer Bar Gets a Makeover By Nick Antonicello  Hinano Cafe, the popular beach bar famous for their burgers,...

Hundreds March in Santa Monica to Advocate for Immigrant Rights

March 26, 2025

March 26, 2025

The march took place amid growing tensions over immigration policy at the national level Several hundred demonstrators marched through the...

Money Raised from FireAid Concert to Fund Interactive Palisades Playground

March 26, 2025

March 26, 2025

FireAid, held on Jan. 30 at the Intuit Dome and Kia Forum, raised an estimated $100 million for wildfire relief...

Venice Shorts: Averill Reelected President, Incumbents Victorious in Contested Races

March 25, 2025

March 25, 2025

Lowest Participation Ever by Venice Stakeholder’s Casts Doubt on Entire Election Process By Nick Antonicello  In an election process crippled...

More Than 60 Cormorant Eggs and Chicks Rescued in Marina del Rey

March 25, 2025

March 25, 2025

Rescue personnel carefully transported the eggs and chicks—some only a few days old—to International Bird Rescue More than 60 double-crested...

SMC Concert Band to Perform Free Show Featuring Marine Band Clarinetist

March 25, 2025

March 25, 2025

Santa Monica College’s Emeritus Concert Band, under the baton of Yosuke Miyoshi, will present “Sea to Shining Sea,” a free...

Palisades Fine Arts Gallery Reopens in Santa Monica Months After Destruction

March 25, 2025

March 25, 2025

The gallery, previously the only fine arts space in the Palisades, lost nearly all of its collection in the fire...

(Video) School of Rock Venice Unleashes Your Inner Rockstar with Upcoming Camps

March 25, 2025

March 25, 2025

For More Info, Schoolofrock.com/locations/venice For More Info, https://t.co/jqV0WgCblt pic.twitter.com/ZJYV4Phcdy — Yo! Venice! (@YoVenice) March 25, 2025

Google’s Iconic Binoculars Building in Venice is Up For Sale: REPORT

March 24, 2025

March 24, 2025

Google, which has occupied the property since 2011, remains under a triple-net lease that runs through October 2030 The Binoculars...

Venice Shorts: Deceased Body Removed From Vehicle at Windward Circle

March 24, 2025

March 24, 2025

Body removed from silver van on Monday afternoon By Nick Antonicello  According to neighborhood sources, a body was found dead...

Three Palisades Homes Get the Green Light to Rebuild: REPORT

March 24, 2025

March 24, 2025

As of last week, 72 homeowners had applied to rebuild in the city, while 135 submitted plans Three Pacific Palisades...

CNN’s Bill Weir to Speak at Malibu Library Series for Earth Month

March 24, 2025

March 24, 2025

Weir, an award-winning journalist, has reported from all 50 states and more than 50 countries, covering environmental challenges CNN Chief...