Fia Restaurant Honors Veterans with a Special Thanksgiving Lunch in Santa Monica

Chef Scott Erickson, a Former U.S. Marine, Leads Fia’s Efforts to Give Back

This Thanksgiving, Fia Restaurant extended its commitment to the community by donating a special Thanksgiving lunch to The Veterans Collective and U.S. Vets, an organization dedicated to supporting America’s veterans.

We spoke to one of the veterans to find out more about her life on the VA Campus:

For Fia’s Executive Chef Scott Erickson, a former U.S. Marine, this initiative is deeply personal. Chef Erickson credits his military service with shaping his values of duty, camaraderie, and resilience—principles he carries into his culinary work. “Giving back to those who have served is not just an act of kindness; it’s a reflection of the bonds we share as a community,” said Erickson.

Another special surprise was the arrival of Santa and Mrs.Claus to greet and take photos with the veterans. 

This traditional Thanksgiving meal was prepared with Fia’s signature quality and care. “This is more than just a meal,” Erickson emphasized. “It’s a way to show our gratitude and respect for the sacrifices made by our nation’s veterans.” By partnering with The Veterans Collective and U.S. Vets, Fia hopes to bring warmth and support to the community of veterans who have given so much.

Fia Restaurant invites others to join in honoring veterans this Thanksgiving by finding ways to give back and support those who have served. Together, the community can make the holiday season a meaningful time of appreciation and connection.

Related Posts

Santa Monica Beaches Deemed Safe Following Wildfire Testing, Officials Say

April 15, 2025

April 15, 2025

Officials said testing revealed no dangerous levels of substances often found in storm runoff following wildfires Los Angeles County public...

Palisades Council Opposes State Housing Density, Backs Wildfire Mortgage Relief

April 14, 2025

April 14, 2025

Two key pieces of legislation currently under consideration in Sacramento were addressed by the council The Pacific Palisades Community Council...

Officials Tout Plans to Rebuild Pacific Palisades Recreation Center

April 14, 2025

April 14, 2025

The recreation center’s rebuild comes on the heels of a separate but related effort to upgrade the center’s playground City...

Potential Curfew Coming to Santa Monica State Beach after Violent Incidents

April 14, 2025

April 14, 2025

The discussion follows several disturbing incidents that occurred during late-night hours on or near the beach City leaders in Santa...

Pacific Coast Highway to Reopen by End of May, Newsom Announces

April 14, 2025

April 14, 2025

The route is critical for connecting Los Angeles, especially as summer tourism ramps up The Pacific Coast Highway, a vital...

Rebuild Stronger with Build Strong – We’re With You Every Step of the Way

April 14, 2025

April 14, 2025

Build Strong is here to guide you through each step of the rebuilding process, from filing insurance claims to restoring...

(Video) Marina del Rey Celebrates 60th Birthday with DJs, Dancing and a Mime

April 13, 2025

April 13, 2025

Events, public festivities, and themed promotions at Fisherman’s Village marked the occasion Events, public festivities, and themed promotions at Fisherman’s...

Burned Lot Listings Surge in Palisades as Post-Wildfire Market Softens

April 13, 2025

April 13, 2025

Although buyers remain hesitant, well-priced lots in desirable locations continue to move The real estate market in Pacific Palisades is...

THIS WEEKEND: Volunteers to Tackle Trash at Ballona Creek in Venice Surfing Association Cleanup

April 10, 2025

April 10, 2025

The effort is part of a nationwide campaign to clean 100 beaches and remove one million pounds of plastic from...

Cockroach Infestation Temporarily Closes Tonic Bar at Erewhon Santa Monica

April 10, 2025

April 10, 2025

The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health temporarily shut down the tonic bar at Erewhon Market’s Santa Monica location...

SMMUSD Appoints New Visual and Performing Arts Coordinator

April 10, 2025

April 10, 2025

He succeeds longtime VAPA coordinator Tom Whaley, who is set to retire at the end of the school year The...

County Offers Housing Vouchers to Wildfire Survivors

April 10, 2025

April 10, 2025

Priority placement is being granted to those who lost their homes in the early 2025 wildfires Survivors of the January...

Santa Monica Councilmember Clarifies Position on Fairview Library Amid Public Outcry

April 10, 2025

April 10, 2025

The statement came during a packed City Council meeting April 8, where dozens of residents—many holding signs reading “Save the...

Hal Frederick, Beloved Venice Restaurateur Who Helped Name Abbot Kinney Blvd., Dies at 91

April 10, 2025

April 10, 2025

In 1987, he opened Hal’s Bar & Grill on what was then still called West Washington Boulevard—a street Frederick helped rename Hal...

Fundraising Efforts Continue for Palisades Restaurants on the Road to Recovery

April 9, 2025

April 9, 2025

Months after the Pacific Palisades fire, local restaurants Reel Inn, Vittorios, and Rocco’s continue to rally community support as fundraising...