The Downtown Thanksgiving Dinner is Back

The Friends of Thanksgiving have come through for the hungry this year. 

Here's their release: 

Plans for a Santa Cruz Community Thanksgiving Dinner keep rolling along and the Friends of Thanksgiving are very happy to announce that Santa Cruz Bible Church will once again be donating the use of their kitchen facilities.

 These facilities, in addition to the generous offer for the use of the Front Street Kitchen, will provide the space and equipment needed to prepare this year's meal. 

“Access to full commercial kitchens is the linchpin of our ability to prepare and serve a traditional Thanksgiving meal with all the trimmings” said Pastor Dennis Adams of the Santa Cruz based Acts of Love Foundation. Pastor Dennis, along with a staff of regionally renowned chefs, are creating what will truly be a gourmet meal for the 1,200 dinners who are expected to join the Friends of Thanksgiving at the Santa Cruz Civic Auditorium on Thursday, November 28th beginning at noon.

“We are filling a need to provide a hot meal for the community on Thanksgiving Day,” says Spokesperson Steve Pleich. “But more importantly, this an opportunity to fill everyone with that special warmth that only a truly community event can provide.”

Volunteer Coordinator Rachel Kippen added that there is still a need for volunteers to help on the day of the event and with Thanksgiving Eve food preparation and noted that “previous year’s volunteers enjoyed the opportunity to work alongside master chefs”.

To sign up for one of the many volunteer opportunities still available, please go to friendsofthanksgiving2013@gmail.com. Cash contributions can be made on line at actsoflovefoundation.org or by mailing cash, check or money order to Acts of Love Foundation, P.O. Box 3240, Santa Cruz, CA 95063. General event information is available by calling Steve Pleich at (831) 466-6078 or on the Friends of Thanksgiving Facebook page.

 Thank you on behalf of the Friends of Thanksgiving and we’re saving a place at our table just for you! 

Here's the coverage of the event in 2011....And more.