LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Seven turkeys and five hams made up part of the menu for StrEATERY's 3rd annual Thanksgiving community dinner on Wednesday.
Last year, organizer Dung Tran said they ran out of food in the first few hours of their free holiday dinner, and didn't want that to happen again.
"The community really stepped up," said Tran. "They really helped out, big donations."
He said there was a lot of support from neighborhood businesses and the Beechmont Neighborhood Association to try and prevent that.
The free dinner is meant to give neighbors a warm, welcoming place to gather and share a meal for the Thanksgiving holiday.
Metro Council member Betsy Ruhe shared a story of seeing a homeless couple enjoying their warm meal.
"And it's wonderful to see everybody from the community coming, rich, poor, stable, homeless, whatever, everybody comes and everybody gets a good dinner," said Ruhe. "It's a wonderful way to build community."
She shared this before heading out to deliver pre-packaged meals from the dinner to a family of four kids and a mother. Tran said this is the first year they're delivering to homes who've requested.
"They're housebound, no car, but we try to make sure they get fed," said Tran. "I know the family Betsy Ruhe is taking to is going to be very grateful for it."
Brenda Thomas was in town and stopped by to share a meal in the neighborhood she used to call home.
"Had the ham. The ham was awesome," she said as she dug into a slice of pumpkin pie. "It's a wonderful experience. I think I'll come next year."
Dylan Canaday stumbled upon the event before heading to a movie Wednesday evening.
"A lot of my personal favorites are in [the menu] so I'm not complaining at all," said Canaday.
He described the open, welcoming atmosphere as a 'splendid surprise."
"I'm all for positive energy too and so we came in here and I'm like 'Oh wow'," said Canaday. "It actually lifted up my spirits as well."
While meeting with neighbors, people had a jolly surprise from Saint Nicholas himself. Santa Claus gave out gifts to the kids at the dinner.
But the gift-giving didn't stop there. PJ Ray, a member of the Beechmont Neighborhood Association presented Tran with a donation to next year's dinner.
"Your establishment where they can fellowship and do that means a lot, so take this," Ray said handing Tran the donation. "We'll see you next year. Thank you so much."
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