WabiSabi’s annual Thanksgiving dinner at the Grand Center returns for another year 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 memorable feast.
“We expect to serve 850 meals this year, and we are expecting that we won’t have any leftovers,” said Leah Bear, WabiSabi’s executive director.
“Our community, like many others, has experienced turmoil and financial hardship due to the recent government shutdown. We’ve seen a huge increase at the thrift shop, where we offer vouchers for immediate relief.”
WabiSabi, a nonprofit community thrift store, raises funds and accepts donated goods to support local nonprofits. For more than two decades, they’ve carried on the tradition of hosting a free Thanksgiving dinner for the community.
As in years past, both a traditional turkey dinner and a veggie option will be served buffet-style, with drink and dessert stations in a communal dining setup. Musicians Mike Toninelli and Dave Seibert will also return, playing live music throughout the day.
The scale of the event relies heavily on local partners who provide food, beverages, and grant support.
“Part of the beauty of this community staple is the beauty of community businesses supporting us, so that everyone has access to Thanksgiving,” Bear said.
As part of its joint community grant program, the May Family Foundation and The Synergy Company—a local nutrition supplement business—contributed $5,000 to help cover food expenses, continuing the annual support they’ve provided for many years.
“Our long-standing partnership with WabiSabi reflects our mission as a wellness company to nurture the well-being of people, place, and planet,” said Zacharia Levine, Head of Organizational Stewardship at The Synergy Company.
“Wabi Sabi is helping all of us create and maintain a sense of pride in the special place we live,” Levine said, sharing that he plans to volunteer at the event alongside his family and several colleagues.
“Support like this is essential, and we’re really grateful,” Bear said. From hundreds of desserts donated by Sweet Cravings to the more than 100 volunteers—many of whom walk in day-of, ready to help—the event depends on community members showing up for one another.
“This feels like the first year that we’re really up and running after the pandemic, and all the changes we had to make in response to social distancing,” Bear said. “We’ll still plan to deliver about 250 meals to seniors, first responders, and anyone who can’t attend in person. We’re now back to running an annual event that doesn’t change much from year to year, and we feel confident and prepared as we continue our tradition.”
Dinner will be served on Thursday, November 28 from 12 to 5 at the Grand Center (182 N 500 W).
To volunteer, email admin@wabisabimoab.org or call 435-259-3313.
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