A fundraiser for the Riverbank Historical Society turned into an improvised reunion between, not one, not two, but three Riverbank teachers and a former student.
It turns out that former Riverbank student Josh Tigner happens to own an original DeLorean car, just like the one used to film the movie “Back to the Future.”
The Historical Society got an idea to show the film, celebrating its 30-year anniversary this year, with the help of the folks at the Galaxy Luxury+ Theatre complex. Along with that came an idea to feature the DeLorean at the theater and let the movie goers and their families take pictures alongside it.
Tigner’s former third grade teacher, Paulette Roberson, knew he had the DeLorean and asked him to bring it to the movie showing in Riverbank earlier this month.
What she didn’t tell him was that several others of his early teachers were members of the society. They were planning to surprise him that night, and they succeeded.
The reunion happened as he was setting up the car, getting it ready for the display in front of the theatre complex.
Roberson surprised him with Marina Campbell, his kindergarten teacher in the 1989-90 year at California Avenue School. Then, Gloria Bracco arrived, his first grade teacher in the 1990-91 school year. Roberson taught him in third grade in the 1992-93 year.
All are members of the Riverbank Historical Society, with Roberson having served as a past president of the group.
To mark the occasion, the trio lined up with Tigner in front of his car to take a few photos.
When it was time, everyone adjourned to Screen Eight inside to view the movie and travel ‘Back in Time,’ the song by Huey Lewis and the News that is the movie theme. Immediately following the showing, organizer Rich Holmer conducted the drawing to give away three big prizes to lucky ticket holders.
Diana Hansen won the three-movie set of DVDs that commemorate the 30th anniversary of the original movie, and includes Part II and Part III.
Chanon de Leon won a $250 gift certificate for use at the Galaxy Complex, while Betty Cook won a 2017 Season Pass good for any Galaxy Theatre. It allows the winner and a companion to attend a movie every day of the year, with just a one dollar each processing fee.
Holmer said the Riverbank Historical Society raised more than $2,000 in its most recent fundraising efforts which ultimately expects to raise an amount necessary to build an annex for the society’s museum. It needs more room to properly display the many artifacts and documents that currently are in storage because of lack of space.
The Riverbank Historical Society is dedicated to preserving, presenting and educating families on the history of Riverbank.
“Help us preserve the past before it slips away,” Holmer said.
The society provides programs about local historical persons and places, stores and displays artifacts and photographs in the remodeled Carnegie Library which now serves as the Riverbank Historical Museum. It provides a meeting place for residents to view and discuss local historical events. Fundraisers and donations also are used to maintain displays and furnishings within the museum.
The society is a non-profit, 501(c)3, corporation. Donations can be tax-deductible.
The museum is at 3237 Santa Fe St. It is staffed by volunteers and is open 10 a.m. to noon on Tuesdays and Thursdays, 2 pm. to 4 p.m. on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, and 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Saturdays.
