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Al & Friends The mission of Al & Friends is to provide hot, wholesome, and nutritious meals to the community's most vulnerable residents. Since 2010, Chef Al Siekert and his volunteers have served a brunch-style breakfast every Sunday. All are welcome with no questions asked.The meal is served on Sunday mornings from 8:30 a.m. to around 9:30 a.m., rain or shine, at Window on the Bay Park, located along the bike path (across from McDonald's) at 717 Del Monte Ave, Monterey, CA 93940. 
  Listen Live |
 | Inside view of a typical Al & Friends Breakfast Watch this video to see us in action! |
 | Honoring the life of Homeless Advocate and Pastor Brian Bajari Brian inspired retired chef, Al Siekert, to found Al & Friends."It's all because of Brian," Siekert says. "I wouldn't have had the epiphany to do it had it not been for Brian. It's been amazing to me how much influence that little movement was to me in my life." |
 | A Huge Thank You to our Grantors Al & Friends is thankful for our generous Grantors and their continued support. Please visit their websites to learn more about their involvement in our local communities. |
 | Monterey Herald Hero Award Winner - Al Siekert - 2023 A large number of nominations came in to honor those who give back to the community, but One Winner stood out - Al Siekert is the winner of the First Annual Monterey Herald Hero Award. Read the article here. |
 | Monterey Herald Hero Award Nomination - Al Siekert - 2023 Nominations poured in on behalf of Al Siekert for the first ever Monterey Herald Hero Award, which honors those who go above and beyond to serve the local community members. Read the article here. |
 | A HUGE thank you to Grocery Outlet! Thank you to Bud, Romeo, and Kayla at the Grocery Outlet in Seaside for their continued food donations to Al & Friends. We really appreciate your efforts to help us provide quality meals to those in need. |
 | Thank you to Monterey Peninsula Volunteer Services Thank you to Monterey Peninsula Volunteer Services for honoring Al & Friends through a generous grant to help purchase a smaller, more economical vehicle for the purchase of and transport of groceries. Please help us support their efforts by shopping at the MPVS Benefit Shop located at 655 Broadway Ave in Seaside. |
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Marv’s Barbecue returns to serve up special BRUNCH-STYLE breakfast for Al & Friends on Sunday, May 7, 2023
Local restauranteur and barbecue specialist Marvin Green of Marv’s Barbecue will return to serve up a new and special pulled pork sandwich and country style baked beans for the brunch-style breakfast on Sunday, May 7 from 8:30 AM until 9:30 AM, for the non-profit based AL & FRIENDS, at Window on the Bay, Monterey. For more information, click on the Official Press Release. |
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Al & Friends receives a grant from the City of Seaside Homeless Commission
Al & Friends recently received a grant award from the City of Seaside Homeless Commission in the amount of $3,000.00 for their ongoing mission of feeding and serving vulnerable individuals and families experiencing challenges in getting vital, basic needs met. The check was presented at Chautauqua Hall in Pacific Grove by Mr. Derek Elder from the city of Seaside. |
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Guest Chefs Steven Siglin and Hyson Epstein In February, 2023, Guest Chef Steven Siglin conducted a salad workshop for Al & Friends volunteers. Chef Steven was energetic, fun, and informative. Please check out his Instagram and his website. On March 12, 2023, Guest Chef Hyson Epstein cooked up a giant paella dish for our guests. Please check out his Instagram and his website and PHOTOS HERE along with a short VIDEO HERE |
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John "Spud" Spadaro Humanitarian Award 2023 Al & Friends was the recipient of the John "Spud" Spadaro Humanitarian Award for 2023, which recognizes outstanding members of the hospitality industry in the Monterey Peninsula area who exemplify the legacy of John "Spud" Spadaro. See PHOTOS of the event and a VIDEO of the song President Rick Richards wrote and sang in honor of John "Spud" Spadaro. |
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Al & Friends Merchandise Store - All funds go to the Sunday Breakfast |  |
Here's what people are saying about Al & Friends...“Al is one of the kindest people I have ever met in my life. He has helped me so much over the years. He calls me Patty Cake. Whenever I need a little extra help, he is always there for me. I can always count on Al. His Sunday morning meals are amazing. Even though I have found permanent housing, I still come back every Sunday morning just to help out. The world needs more people like Al.” -- Patricia B.“I first met Al about 8 years ago. I had heard about Al & Friends from someone. Being housing insecure, I have been to a lot of the local church organizations who serve meals to the homeless community. They are great and I really do appreciate it and all but they serve the same food over and over again. The first time I ever went to the Al & Friends breakfast I was blown away at all the different hot meals and salads. They cook the meals right there on the beach! I have gotten to know Al personally over the years and I am so honored to know him. I consider him one of the finest people I’ve met.” -- Oscar S. More on the Testimonials page |
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Al & Friends Continues To Go GreenAl & Friends is transitioning to serving reusable metal forks, plates, water bottles and cloth bags even for takeaway food items. With the help of Sustainable Monterey County, Al & Friends is going green with their service of hot, nutritious meals to the hungry in our community. Emerging from COVID practices of wasteful take-out containers and service items, Al & Friends guests/diners are encouraged to keep items (e.g. bottles, bags, etc.) for their own multiple reuse and to bring them back weekly, or to put in our bus bins to have washed for the following week's meal. |
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Al & Friends Creates First Honorary Award – “Nathan Binder Youth Award"Nathan Binder is awarded the first honorary "Nathan Binder Youth Award!" Nathan, who recently graduated from high school, has been volunteering most Sundays, ready to work, and with a smile. He's such a wonderful, amazing young man who has inspired many of us - young and old. He has earned this award, one that will continue to give to deserving youth among Al & Friends every year, and it will bear his name in honor - as the inspiration for such a prestigious endowment. Thank you Nathan, for all that you do, and your dedication to Al & Friends. |
| Feeding the homeless in Monterey, community service Monterey |
| AL & FRIENDS is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that subsists on local donations and in-kind products and services. Al & Friends mission is to lift the most vulnerable members of the community who may suffer from the most pressing challenges: hunger, homelessness and poverty. TAX ID: EIN #82-2461103 |
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