Owner/restaurateur Randy Smerik and the entire team at Solare Ristorante, located in the Arts District Liberty Station, was awarded the Optimist Club of Point Loma’s “Gratitude Award” at a presentation ceremony on Aug. 26. This award is to recognize Solare’s continued support of Peninsula youth, the local communities, and the Rosecrans flag program, through the restaurant’s sponsorship and conduct of numerous Optimist charity fundraising events since October 2012.

Both of Solare’s executive chefs over those years donated their time and talents at fundraiser dinners. The Solare staff has fed and trained participants, local parents, and educators involved in club fundraisers for schools.