Annual luau funds backpacks for needy kids

People gather for the Luau for Backpacks fundraising event at St. John's Episcopal Church in Fallbrook, July 29. A total of 375 backpacks is needed for the Fallbrook Food Pantry to distribute to students. Shane Gibson photos

From left, Jane Millsap, Kim Kinman and Carol Pearson, help serve beverages to guests attending the Luau for Backpacks fundraising event, July 29.

Dave McStay, left, and Kevin Forrester chat while attending the festive Luau for Backpacks fundraising event, July 29.

Gail Jones places a bid on a silent auction item during the Luau for Backpacks fundraising event at St. John's Episcopal Church in Fallbrook.

The Luau for Backpacks fundraiser includes a Hawaiian style dinner prepared by St. John's Episcopal Church for the annual event.

Gerry Schwartz helps barbecue chicken outside St. John Episcopal Church during a Hawaiian style dinner served to guests attending the Luau for Backpacks event, July 29.

Evangeline Smith receives a Hawaiian style dinner during the Luau for Backpacks fundraising event, July 29.

Former St. John's Episcopal Church Father Wayne Sanders, left, and current St. John's Episcopal Church Father Leland Jones chat during the Luau for Backpacks fundraising event at St. John's Episcopal Church, July 29.