Posted On : 11/17/2009 by
Michelle Guerin
One outstanding San Diegan that we are especially thankful for this year is
Donnie Luehring.
As the Manager of San Diego AIDS Walk & Run / Dining Out for Life, Donnie works to raise awareness of and funds for HIV / AIDS services and prevention programs, right here in our own community.
In honor of Thanksgiving, we put Donnie in the spotlight. From his nostalgic love of the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade to his plans for drinking wine and snacking while his good friend cooks and why we should opt for a benefit pie … or two, discover a few of the reasons why we’re thankful for Donnie this year.
DiscoverSD: What are you thankful for this year?
Donnie: I am particularly thankful for those bestest of buds … you know the type, right? They are the friends you can count on no matter how intense things get. They call you out when you're being a dork and are there in times of need ... 100% guaranteed!
I’m especially thankful for friends like Paul and Talonya for letting me be the fabulous Donnie I can be. They have known me in the good and bad times life has to offer and I think life jut wouldn’t be the same without them! Love you guys!
DSD: What is your favorite memory of Thanksgiving?
D: I love getting up on Thanksgiving morning to watch the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade to the smell of turkey already roasting in the oven!
DSD: Do you prefer to cook or eat out on Thanksgiving?
D: I prefer for others to cook! I’m not exactly what you would call the “cooking” type. My extensive background includes making cereal every morning and occasionally knowing how to work some microwave magic (by magic, I mean I can enter the number of minutes a lean cuisine will take to cook after making my one inch slit in the protective film for proper ventilation).
This year my friend Bart, a whiz-kid when it comes to the kitchen, will be working his magic with the bird. I of course will be on-hand to drink wine, snack and critique … ahhh the good life.
DSD: Any must-share recipes or local restaurant tips to help us have a tasty Thanksgiving?
D: I’m always responsible for bringing pies from Mama’s Kitchen’s “Pie in the Sky” benefit. A $20 Thanksgiving Pie (pumpkin, pecan, apple, and sugar-free apple) from Mama's Kitchen will help feed men, women and children affected by AIDS or cancer. It’s one of the best desserts I have all year! (mamaskitchen.org)
DSD: What is your favorite thing to eat at Thanksgiving?
D: I am totally a part of the tribe who loves them some turkey! There is nothing better than a slice of turkey breast, with mashed potatoes, green beans, and a biscuit all topped with gravy and a slice of benefit pie. Mmmm-mmm-good! I said: yum!
Discover more at dineoutforlife.com and aidswalksd.org.
