WabiSabi’s annual Thanksgiving dinner returns for another year on this Thanksgiving Day. The free event offers a holiday meal to everyone in the community, especially those who might not otherwise have the opportunity to share a special feast.
“It’s been a community staple for such a long time, and people look forward to it,” said Leah Bear, WabiSabi’s executive director.
“So many people in the community come and volunteer at the dinner; they’ll ask to volunteer as early as September,” she said. “Last year, we had 100 volunteers show up. This year, we’ll need more because we’ll ask volunteers to do some cooking.”
Like in years past, both a traditional turkey dinner and a veggie option will be served buffet-style and include drink and dessert stations in a communal dining setup, where everyone sits together.
The organization’s ability to serve hundreds of people in the community relies on community partners who provide food, beverages, and grants that make dinner at this scale possible.
“We have all drinks and desserts donated from several different organizations and businesses, and many donations are still in the works,” Bear said.
The Synergy Company, a local nutrition supplement business, will provide $5,000 towards expenses — a grant that has had a substantial impact in previous years.
Local businesses are pitching in to help offset additional costs for WabiSabi, including Moonflower Co-op, Sweet Cravings, Village Market, and Bonjour Bakery.
One of the most significant expenses is storing the food during the week before the event. Salt Lake City-based food transportation business Nicholas and Company is covering that cost.
“It’s expensive, but we’ve had a great response from the community,” Bear said. 98 Center, Gloria’s, Bella’s Deli, The Not So Churchy Group, Deserted Goods, Sweet Serendipity, Singha Thai Cuisine, and Cactus Jacks are also donating goods, services, and time.
Local musicians Mike Toninelli and Dave Seibert will return once more to provide live music all day.
Bear believes the dinner’s impact on the community is “bringing inclusion and diversity to the table.”
“Seeing all walks of life together for a hangout is what I loved most about last year’s event,” she said. “We set it up to be all-inclusive so that everyone sits together, and we’ll see people of different ages, economic statuses, and professions at the same place. It’s a beautiful thing because you don’t see that all the time. It’s what makes the event and Moab so special.”
Dinner will be served from 12 to 5 on Thursday, November 28th, at the Grand Center (182 N 500 W). Bear said they have about 50 volunteers currently but would like to double that number.
To volunteer, email admin@wabisabimoab.org or call 435-259-3313. You can also scan the QR code for more information.
