California Pizza Kitchen sent more than 700 Volunteers to assist School of Infantry – West Marines and Sailors to clean and renovate areas of San Onofre Beach, March 18.

The volunteers from California Pizza Kitchen consisted of managers and their friends and operate as a charity through the Inspired Acts project.

The California Pizza Kitchen Inspired Acts project was established by the CPK Foundation to give back to communities they serve through charity work and donations.

The groups broke up into three teams with one group painting and renovating the beach club, another handling landscaping and the third group painting the theatre and building playground equipment.

“We do community service work every year,” said G.J. Hart, chief executive officer of California Pizza Kitchen. “This is our second year at Camp Pendleton. We want to give back to the service members that keep us safe.”

The Marines and Sailors, from Lima Company, SOI – West, were provided a break from their daily duties which consist of processing and getting ready for Infantry training at Camp Pendleton.

“It was good to get out of the squad bay and have a little more fun. I feel like we accomplished a lot,” said Pvt. Juan Sanchez.

The groups also decorated cards and stitched pillows for deployed service members.

Once the projects were complete, new tables constructed, plants watered and paint drying, the volunteers and Marines were treated to music performed by a live band and a visit from Brig. Gen. Edward D. Banta, Commanding General, Marine Corps Installations West, Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton.

“This is amazing,” said Brig. Gen. Banta. “To everybody here from California Pizza Kitchen and the Marines that volunteered their time, thank you. This looks absolutely fabulous, we could not have done it without your support.”