St. Andrews by the Sea Community Thanksgiving Dinner at Hudson's Restaurant.

2010-02-05 07:49:50

Over the Christmas holidays in 1998 Hudson’s owner, Brian J. Carmines, chatting with Betsy Doughtie, executive director of The Deep Well Project, casually mentioned that he would be willing to host a “Community Thanksgiving Dinner” if there was community support for such an undertaking. Within days, Betsy had enlisted Gloria and Allan LaCoe, Jackie Johnson, and other members of St. Andrews By The Sea United Methodist Church to spearhead the volunteer organization.

In 1999, the first Community Thanksgiving Dinner was held at Hudson’s restaurant. Some 500 meals were served. Over the years, Hudson’s has felt like a second home to residents and visitors alike. This event has grown and touched thousands of peoples’ lives who make the dinner a part of their family’s celebration.

The Community Thanksgiving Dinner celebrates the best-ever free community family-style dinner, with over 400 volunteers serving more than 1,600 guests. Many volunteers plan their vacations to coincide with the meal each year. Others welcome the busy distraction after losing loved ones, and some bring their families to give back to the community.

A special heart-felt thank you to all who make the Annual Community Thanksgiving Dinner a reality. Without the sponsors, the volunteers, and the participants, the event would not be as successful as it is each year. In the past the dinner has been able to raise through donations approximately $42,300 to help benefit The Deep Well Project. The dinner not only provides a Thanksgiving dinner to those who are not able to serve one themselves, but it also provides help to needy families throughout the year with The Deep Well Project. Without people like you, we could not accomplish this task. Thank you and may you have a blessed holiday!

Hope you and yours will join us again on Thanksgiving Day, 11/25,2010!