AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – More than 200 people received hot meals Wednesday at Garden City Rescue Mission and Maybaum Real Estate’s annual Thanksgiving Eve Dinner.
Dinner is free and open to all local residents.
The two have been hosting the dinner for nearly 20 years, but this year will be special. The rescue mission has reached its goal of $495,000 to continue its work and service to the community.
“Today is a day that really gets into the holiday spirit,” said John Chambers, general manager of Maybaum Real Estate.
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“We get to sit down and socialize and catch up like a family,” said Patrick Feistel, executive director of the Garden City Rescue Mission. “It goes way beyond food. It’s about meeting people. It’s about relationships.”
Everyone at the table is family, blood or not.
Luther Wright, who stays at the Garden City Rescue Mission, said: Many people don’t have the opportunity to eat Thanksgiving dinner with their families. ”
All items were provided, just like any other Thanksgiving family. Employees at Maybaum Real Estate cooked food for those who came out Wednesday.
“This year is special because the rescue efforts have been challenging,” Chambers said.
Serving and helping the community is a blessing in itself for those who cook and those who eat.
Feistel said, “We’re not leaving. We’re here to see this event grow and grow and continue for years to come.”
Chambers added, “This is a place where we can introduce them to the community and they can really learn what Thanksgiving is all about.”
For servers and diners, it’s all about coming together.
“This just shows that God is good,” Wright said.
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