Community Thanksgiving
Community Thanksgiving
Rotary Club and St. Paul’s Church partner to provide dinner to those in need
There is never a shortage of generosity during the holiday season in Ellicottville, NY and this Thanksgiving is no exception.
The Rotary Club of Ellicottville, in partnership with St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, will be hosting a Community Thanksgiving Dinner on Wednesday, November 27th. Both organizations are generous supporters of those living in and around the Ellicottville area and are pleased to kick off the first year of this event with plans to make it an annual tradition where no one eats alone.
The dinner will be held from 5:00-7:00pm at the church, located at 6360 Rt 242 East, Ellicottville. “We are so appreciative of St. Paul’s sharing their banquet facilities and there is capacity to serve around 300 during the course of the event,” said Darlene Allen, Rotary Committee Chairperson. “Our goal is to provide a safe and accepting space for the community to come together. If you are alone for the holiday, unable to serve a meal yourself, or just want good food and company, come and join us.”
Guests can expect a traditional turkey dinner with all the trimmings with buffet style service. Understanding that some may not be able to attend the event in person due to limitations, arrangements can be made to have meals delivered locally by making a reservation. Susan Baryza, owner of Cygaro, will be coordinating these efforts. “Reservations are not required to attend but are appreciated as we try to gauge the need for this first year event. In addition to coordinating deliveries for those who are shut-in, we are also coordinating rides to and from the event for those in need.” Call 716-430-8938 to reserve a seat, secure a ride, or request a home delivery.
Planning an event like this is no small undertaking. Many members of the Rotary Club and St. Paul’s have volunteered their time and financial support with hopes that other businesses and residents in the community will assist. Jim Shook and Dale Ludwick have volunteered their time to provide acoustical guitar music during the event. Everybody can do something; it doesn’t have to be huge. Darlene Allen stated, “We need help in the days leading up to as well as the entire day of the event. There’s food prep, banquet hall set-up, deliveries, rides, clean-up and more.” Call 716-574-1236 to join in the efforts.
With financial help and volunteers from the Rotary, church, and our community, it will certainly be a success. Thanksgiving is a family event. Your community is your family. Donations can be made online by visiting our donation website https://auctria.events/CommunityThanksgivingDinner2024.