33rd Annual Thanksgiving Dinner for Paso Robles returns Thursday
– Now in its 33rd year, Thanksgiving for Paso Robles, is once again hosting a free Thanksgiving dinner to the community of Paso Robles, where more than 250 volunteers help transform Centennial Park into a virtual restaurant for more than a 1,000 of our neighbors who would normally go without a holiday meal.
And organizers need your help to make it a success. The traditional sit-down dinner takes place at Centennial Park Activity Center on Thursday, Nov. 23, 12 – 2 p.m. This extraordinary event is made possible solely from donations and volunteers.
Thanksgiving for Paso Robles is now accepting monetary donations that are greatly needed. Over 250 volunteers are needed to assist with activities that lead up to the dinner including set-up, food preparation, serving, delivery, and clean up.
Please visit Eventbrite’s Thanksgiving for Paso Robles to donate.
In 1984, Thanksgiving for Paso Robles was born. It all started with a small holiday dinner at the Paso Robles Senior Center for 80 people who had nowhere to spend the holiday. The event has now grown into a true community effort severing more than 1,000 people at Centennial Park.
Each year the park is transformed into a large restaurant for a single day. The extensive menu includes roasted turkey, carved ham, mashed potatoes with gravy, bacon green beans, candied yams dressing, cranberries and a variety of fresh baked pies. The cooking of this homemade meal is made possible by the generous donation of the Paso Robles School District’s Culinary Academy kitchen run by Chef Gregg Wangard, and scores of volunteers. In addition to the sit down dinner, volunteers deliver meals to those who are homebound.
Each year the generosity of the community grows. For the last several years New Era Barber Shop sets up in the park, offering free haircuts to anyone in need, many children included. Members of the community have also brought coats and warming kits to distribute.
“Thanksgiving for Paso Robles is a true expression of our community, bringing diverse people together to share the day with one another,” says Dave Kudija, Director of the Steering Committee, who has been working with the non-profit for 23 years. “All are welcome, to attend and volunteer. It’s a lot of work, but it has been fulfilling to see so many work together to serve the Paso community.”
Monetary donations and volunteers are crucial to executing this massive undertaking each year. The funds for the annual dinner are raised exclusively from private donations by individuals, churches, students and businesses.
In addition to the donation link above, checks can also be sent to Thanksgiving for Paso Robles, PO Box 662, Paso Robles, CA 93447.
Details:
Where: Centennial Park Activity Center
600 Nickerson Road, Paso Robles
When: Thursday, November 23, 2017
Hours: Noon – 2 p.m.
Price: Free
For more information, visit ThanksgivingForPasoRobles.com, email TgforPaso@gmail.com, or call (805) 239-4137.
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