RANCHO BERNARDO - Residents of Rancho Bernardo said they have something special to be thankful this year - a tight-knit community only made stronger by adversity.

"During these last few weeks, the rest of the country has witnessed what Rancho Bernardo is all about," said Steve Riddle, president of the Rancho Bernardo Community Foundation, during the foundation's annual Thanksgiving Luncheon on Tuesday.

Riddle described how neighbors banded together in the wake of last month's devastating Witch Creek fire, which burned more than 350 Rancho Bernardo homes to the ground. Not even fire could not tarnish the community's spirit, he said.

"We are not just a dot on the map or just a suburb of America's Finest City - we are a very, very special place," he said. "What better time to give thanks to our community."

More than 600 neighbors, police, firefighters and dignitaries - twice the amount as last year thanks to a new ballroom - packed the Rancho Bernardo Inn to reflect on the past and look forward to rebuilding as a community.

"The most inspiring thing is neighbors helping neighbors," said Heather Dugdale, the North County inland regional manager for The San Diego Foundation. "That is instrumental in bringing a community back together very quickly."

So far, roughly $5.2 million in donations have been raised for the county "After the Fires Fund," while $21,000 has been collected for the Rancho Bernardo fire fund, said Dugdale.

A signature fundraising event for the foundation, which supports community projects through a $500,000 endowment fund, the 18th annual luncheon is a way to kick off the holiday season and strengthen ties to the community, Riddle said. This year, it's more important than ever to keep traditions going, said Dee Dee Hill, chair of the event.

"It's who we are," Hill said.

During the luncheon, the foundation announced more than $30,000 in grants to community groups including $15,000 to the Rancho Bernardo Historical Society, $6,000 to the Rancho Bernardo High School Music Boosters and $1,500 each to Rancho Bernardo Senior Services and the Joslyn Senior Center.

In addition, County Supervisor Pam Slater-Price sponsored meals for 100 residents who lost their homes in the fires, as well as firefighters, police and armed service members who saved homes, patrolled the streets, and risked their lives for others last month. The groups were given a standing ovation when they were asked to stand and be recognized.

"I'm meeting more friends today than I've had in my lifetime," said Poway fire Division Chief Jon Canavan, who said he appreciated the support of the community.

Slater-Price said reaching out to those in need and showing appreciation for valiant efforts is at the heart of what Thanksgiving is about.

"That's the spirit of Rancho Bernardo," she said.

Pat O'Sullivan, whose home of 16 years burned down on Aguamiel Road, said the outpouring of support from the community is what has helped get her through such a difficult time.

"I've had total strangers come up to me and offer help," said O'Sullivan, praising her neighbors. "Even though a lot of our history is gone, we have each other. We'll build again and make new memories."

O'Sullivan said she believes the community will come out of the ordeal better than ever.

"We're just really a family," she said.

Alan and Shelley Charlesworth, who lost their home on Corazon Place in the Westwood area of Rancho Bernardo, said they are thankful this year for their friends, neighbors, community and insurance.

"I feel good when I see everything moving forward," said Alan Charlesworth, adding that the couple plan to rebuild on the same spot.

- Contact staff writer Noelle Ibrahim at (760) 740-3517 or nibrahim@nctimes.com.