I am so filled with gratitude. A couple of weeks ago I had a small idea.. I wanted to work with my friends, family, and neighbors to create a communal Thanksgiving meal for people who were unable to cook their own Thanksgiving dinner this year due to damage from Sandy (or for any other reason). But I didn’t want the typical do-gooders on one side, victims on the other, type of set-up. I don’t believe in charity and I think we all have things to offer and things to gain from each other, so I wanted to create an environment where it was simply a large ‘family’ dinner open to all.
This was my first attempt at feeding hundreds of people (for free), and although there are many things I would do differently next time, I think it was a pretty successful first venture. Once we got a kick ass organizing committee together, we were on our way, and pretty quickly shocked by the sheer number and enthusiasm of people who wanted to help;
From St. Mark’s Church who offered a home and a support team for this project…to the Transit Workers Union, Kitchenette Restaurant in Harlem, and the Stone Barns Center for their generous turkey donations… to the International Culinary Center who helped us cook our donated turkeys… to the McCormick spice company who donated all of our gravy… to Neri’s Bakery who donated hundreds of rolls and pastries… to the YWCA of Brooklyn who donated a truck full of food made with love….to local politicians including Public Advocate Bill de Blasio and his generous staff, and City Councilwoman Debi Rose, who spread the word and offered their resources to help us….to Alicia, DJ Susan Z Anthony, and the good folks at The Suffolk who held 3 nights of Fundraisers for us and made the time to join us on Thanksgiving Day to offer their hands-on assistance…. to Occupy Sandy who promoted our mission and supported our vision…. to Fresh Direct who gifted us with a credit to purchase some much needed groceries… to P.S. 24 who created unforgettable handmade turkey table toppers and donated dozens of pies and cakes through their PTA drive….to the press, documentary filmmakers, and independent journalists who gave us air time and space in their columns….and to countless volunteers, home cooks, food transporters, and supporters who donated their time, energy, money, and love…. It was an overwhelming outpouring. The kind that makes you rethink things and reconsider what’s possible.
I think I can speak for the entire organizing committee for Thanksgiving at St. Mark’s when I say… This was an experience we will never forget. Thank You to all who made it possible.
St. Mark’s Church in the Bowery
My nephew, Benjamin, supervising the banner hanging
Just a few of our incredible volunteers!
Family Dinner 
We even had outdoor seating
Not just volunteers… but smiling volunteers!
Turkey table toppers made with great care by the students at P.S. 24
The most important people.. the Kitchen Crew!!!
I couldn’t be happier….
The end of a long, satisfying day…… Thank You.. and Goodnight!
I’m so glad to hear that the event was such a happy and momentous occasion for all involved! And even happier to hear that so many people and organizations (big and small) rolled up their sleeves to help. Great work Jessica! I know of no one else who could have pulled this hard work off in such a short time frame, with the passion you exude, and all with a smile on your face!
Thanks for giving us all a way to contribute to your wonderful concept. Do you know how many people actually came to dine? I’d like to do this again next year!
As one of the many, many volunteers, I can honestly say, after reading your mission statement above, that the Thanksgiving feast was a complete success. A large family dinner is the exact phrase to describe the atmosphere created that day. The welcoming, enthusiastic and joyous tone you set permeated the building and it was an amazing experience to have taken part in this incredible endeavor. Thanks so much Jessica. Job well done!!
Brava to you and all of the volunteers!!!
INCREDIBLE!!!!!!!! I’m a proud little sister, that’s for sure.
thank you sis –
thank you very much everybody we did it together
Jess…As I prayed over dinner at my family’s house, and we all went around the room to say what we were thankful for, I thanked God all the warriors I know and have been blessed to be a part of their journey and share the same mission, and I especially thought about u, smiling to myself as I thought about all the work u be putting in and how blessed we are to know u. !Que Buena Onda mamma!
Clara I love you!! So blessed to know you too and your adorable family
Looking forward to many years of hard work and success with you guys xoxo
Thank you for sharing your inspiring story. I admire your values, especially your genuine respect for the diners at the banquet you organized. One of the lessons of Sandy is that people of means can become people in need of help in a matter of moments. You and your husband devoted your time and energy to others when you were without heat in your own home. You are one of my heroes.
so much love to you Sylvia
Was such a great day!!