WabiSabi’s annual Thanksgiving meal started 17 years ago as a community event that provided a space for people who had nowhere else to go on Thanksgiving, according to Laura Creekmore, communications coordinator at WabiSabi. The annual event quickly turned into a popular gathering of community members who could enjoy a multi-course meal together. Since the pandemic, WabiSabi has continued the meal, but to be safe, without the gathering. Like last year, this year the Thanksgiving meal will be delivered to peoples’ doorsteps.
“I’m really excited that we’re able to give meals to people on Thanksgiving, to feed people who are hungry,” Creekmore said. “There’s been challenges, but we’ve been able to be creative and find solutions. It’s really wonderful to see the community come together and say, ‘yes, this is a need, and we’re going to make it happen.’”
WabiSabi partnered with The Synergy Company and Sweet Cravings Bakery and Bistro to fund and cook the meals. Anyone who needs to can order a meal by calling or contacting either WabiSabi (435-259-2553) or one of six partnering organizations: Family Support Services (435-259-1685); Four Corners Behavioral Health (435-239-6131); Grand Center Moab (435-259-6623); Moab Solutions (435-401-4685); Moab Valley Multicultural Center (435-259-5444); or Seekhaven (435-259-2229).
On Thanksgiving Day, each organization will have a pickup site, or people can request the meal is delivered to their doorstep by volunteers. Volunteers can sign up by contacting WabiSabi either by phone or email (info@wabisabimoab.org).
“We’re just happy to be able to host this for our community,” Creekmore said. “There’s still this part of community involvement and gathering, even though we’re not physically together.”
Zacharia Levine, director of corporate development and social responsibility at The Synergy Company, said they partnered with WabiSabi simply because the company cares about Moab’s community.
“We provide financial support for WabiSabi’s community meal because it fosters connection between residents, deepens participants’ relationship to Moab, and, for some, provides comforting nourishment that would be unattainable otherwise,” he said. “All of these outcomes improve the well-being of our community.”
Creekmore said Sweet Cravings can make a maximum of 300 meals this year, but that limit shouldn’t stop anyone from ordering—she’s working with the local organizations to do a “needs assessment,” and make sure that everyone who needs a meal on Thanksgiving day will get one. The priority will go to first responders and people with immediate need.
Part of the Thanksgiving event is also fundraising for WabiSabi’s 10 nonprofit partners: Arches Education, Beacon Afterschool, Community Rebuilds, Grand Area Mentoring, KZMU Community Radio, Moab Healthcare Foundation, Moab Valley Multicultural Center, and Our Village Community Center. WabiSabi is hoping to raise $5,000, which will be distributed to the nonprofits. Donations are being accepted through WabiSabi’s website (wabisabimoab.org).
Event Info
What: WabiSabi’s 17th Annual Thanksgiving Meal
When: Thursday, Nov. 25
Where: Doorstep delivery
Cost: By donation
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