PARADISE — Thousands celebrated the resiliency of Paradise while filling up their stomachs with braised beef stew and potatoes.
On the first anniversary of the Camp Fire, World Central Kitchen made its return to the ridge and provided free meals at Paradise Alliance Church.
“A lot of times we don’t get a chance to come back to see the progress and people,” said Director of Chef Operations Tim Kilcoyne.” Paradise, and even Chico, holds a special place in our hearts, so it’s amazing that we’re able to come back.”
In the weeks following the fire, the disaster relief effort group helped give out more than 200,000 meals to people all across Butte County, including a Thanksgiving dinner to an estimated 15,000 evacuees and first responders.
Kilcoyne said that the town of Paradise asked if the global organization could return one year later to honor its community members.
“Food brings communities together,” Kilcoyne said. “Sitting around tables together and everybody being able to reconnect.”
Tables full of survivors, law enforcement personnel and government officials could be seen at Friday’s community-wide lunch.
Kilcoyne said the event gave him and others with World Central Kitchen, most of whom are volunteering and from the area, the opportunity to reconnect with familiar faces.
“We feel like we’re part of the community,” Kilcoyne said.
Camp Fire survivor Michael Denofrio said he called off work Friday to attend the lunch with his wife.
“We weren’t going to miss it,” Denofrio said.
Denofrio said he appreciated the town scheduling a list of events for the anniversary.
“It brings people together,” Denofrio said. “People get a chance to talk, to understand, to share their experiences, share their losses and see their friends that they haven’t seen in a long time.”
Denofrio also expressed how fortunate he felt to be in Paradise one year later after the devastation began.
“We’re just happy to be here,” Denofrio added. “We’re happy to be alive and that we got through this. Paradise is going to rebuild and we’re going to rebuild. This is going to be our home.”