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Pittsburg School Honors Restaurant Owner For Community Service

PITTSBURG (KCBS) -- The food at New Mecca Café has fed East Contra Costa County for over 50 years and now the Mexican restaurant's owner was honored for his philanthropic efforts within the community.

The Marina Vista School Auditorium was packed to honor Guillermo Bill Muniz, owner of the well-known downtown Pittsburg eatery this weekend.

KCBS' Bob Melrose Reports:

Hundreds of supporters gathered to celebrate the man who's restaurant has earned him some pretty special fans; including players from baseball's major leagues as well as the NFL. The athletes have regularly requested Mecca to cater after game spreads for them.

Guillermo, who uses a walker to get around these days, was described by one of the event's organizers, Greg Osorio, as never being shy about being generous.

"Time after time there were stories of people he had just helped and blessed," explained Osorio.

He added a touching anecdote about Guillermo driving by a man's house that had burned down. The man was outside working with his friends to rebuild his home. Guillermo asked how many people were there when the man replied "17" after a quick count. Within minutes Guillermo drove back up to the same spot with 17 Mecca dinners and a case of sodas. In addition Guillermo notified the man that he wanted to throw a benefit for him and up to 300 people that would raise money for his house.

Through the years Muniz has received several lucrative offers to move his restaurant from downtown Pittsburg to a better location, but he's always declined.

(Copyright 2011 by CBS San Francisco. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Wire services may have contributed to this report.)

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