Grand Marshals - Mark and Gaby Bernardin
The Bernardin family has lived in Fremont for over 30 years. Mark's father Al began the family's McDonald's ownership in 1970, and Mark took over from his father in 1996. They currently own 3 stores, and employ 201 workers. Mark and Gaby have 7 children and 2 grandchildren between them.
A number of McDonalds innovations have been the brainchild of the Bernardins, perhaps most famously was Al Bernardin's invention of the Quarter Pounder here in Fremont in 1971.
The Bernardins are involved in a variety of charitable and community service organizations. Mark is on the board of the Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Bay Area. He is a member of the Fremont Rotary Club, and the Fremont Rodent Society. Mark also sits on the board of "Be A Mentor". Gaby is a Trustee of the Washington Hospital Foundation, and a member of the Candlelighters.
The Bernardins support numerous charitable causes and events around Fremont. They are a main sponsor in Tree of Angels, an annual event in 3 cities that raise funds, and creates awareness, for Hospice through Washington Hospital. Mark and Gaby are frequent donors to many schools in Fremont for Grad nights, athletic events, and teacher events.
Mark has been a Fremont Rotary member for many years, and have been in charge of their main fundraiser at the Arts and Wine Festival. They have been a sponsor and a long-term volunteer of the Halloween ghost house for many years. Fremont's 4th of July parade has benefited from their donations for many years.
Their support of youth programs includes yearly sponsorships for soccer and baseball teams in Fremont, a "Book Bucks" annual sponsor, and they've personally cooked hamburgers for the students at R.O.P
Mark and Gaby are truly honored to be recognized for their contributions to Fremont, and the Fourth of July Parade is thrilled to have them as our Grand Marshals for 2011.
