Russian River Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence provide hundreds with Christmas dinner

Hours of work went into making the Guerneville Community Holiday Dinner happen Tuesday, and that was accounting for just the time the hosts spent in front of mirrors getting their makeup and nun getups just right.

The line of people extended beyond the doors at the Veterans Memorial Building shortly after noon on Christmas Day, with Santa Claus and Frosty the Snowman inflatables welcoming those in the Russian River Valley to the free meal. The Russian River Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, a local nonprofit that since 2001 has donned ghost-white faces and colorful drag to spread its ministry of charity, was happy to accept the hundreds who showed up with empty stomachs and open minds in the spirit of the holiday tradition.

“The whole idea is Christmas for everyone,” said Brian Griffiths, a 15-year member who goes by Sister Frances A. Sissy. “We’ve brought different communities together, so the gay community and the rancher community, and everyone, now comes together because we’ve had these events. We reflect the community.”

Dozens of contributors donated for the event about 40 turkeys and 25 hams, each cooked and carved. Volunteers served up spoonfuls of classic sides and other fixings to the hungry, needy and anyone else who wished to take part, while members of Guerneville’s River Choir entertained them with Christmas carols.

Bay Area group Mama’s Family organized a toy drive for the children, who got to pick from an assortment of gifts set out on long folding tables near the entryway.

A variety of seasonal desserts, including gingerbread cupcakes with red and green sprinkles, iced cinnamon rolls and a white sheet cake decorated with ornaments and colored lightbulbs, filled a circular table at the center of the small bingo hall. Guests were invited to eat to their heart’s content, and then some more.

“People just went through a line and were served by a drag queen. How great is that?” Joseph Bullock, also known as Sister Wilma Titzgro, said, wearing long navy blue eyelashes and a smear of silver glitter on his black-lined lips. “We’ll have to send them out with more dessert, even if they don’t want it.”

The yearly meal, which the Sisters took over from the Russian River Chamber of Commerce in 2004 as part of their larger fundraising mission, is one that local attendees have come to rely upon with some consistency. Darren Zeff, 49, of Guerneville, said he’s battled homelessness for most of the past nine years, but knowing the event would provide a warm and filling Christmas meal gave him hope of getting back on his feet in the new year.

“It means a lot,” he said, between bites of stuffing and gravy. “The food is very good, and they’ve always been very generous. The energy is communal and I know there are a lot of people here who need this more than me.

“I actually feel pretty good about where I’m at,” he added. “Things are coming together.”

You can reach Staff Writer Kevin Fixler at 707-521-5336 or kevin.fixler@pressdemocrat.com.