IT WAS A BLIZZARD OF FOOD AND FUN FOR THANKSGIVING

The 2011 Thanksgiving Dinner in Needham was again hosted by the Needham Rotary Club and the Needham Community Council. The event was a true testimony of the volunteerism evident among Needham residents! The traditional Thanksgiving meal was served to 180 guests, with close to 80 of them eating at the Masonic Hall and the reminder choosing to have their meals delivered to their homes. The Masonic Hall (freely donated for the event) was decorated and prepared by Rotarians the afternoon before. Then early Thanksgiving morning more Rotarians (and one high school volunteer) returned to prepare the “boat load” of food (freely donated by Roche Brothers). At 11:15 AM an army of volunteer drivers came for the take-out meals and by 11:30 AM hungry and excited guests were arriving in anticipation of the festivities! The meal was freely donated by our very generous neighbors, the Roche Brothers, including the turkey, gravy, mashed potatoes, stuffing and vegetables! What an incredible feast! For dessert, Wingate At Needham generously donated the apple and pumpkin pies! Door prizes were freely distributed, including the amazing table centerpieces donated by Briarwood Healthcare and the holiday gift baskets donated by Carter United Methodist. The entire event warmed the hearts of all, both guests and the volunteers! Needham is truly an inspiring community of thoughtful, generous and caring citizens!

We want to express our sincere gratitude to the Masonic Lodge of Needham for so kindly donating the use of their kitchen and Hall. This venue wonderfully meets the needs of the event.

In addition, we want to thank each of the following contributors: the T. H. McCoy Restaurant Group of Chelmsford (Needham McDonalds) for donating cup and paper supplies; the High Rock “Student Leadership Team” for their holiday fruit bags; the Charles River YMCA for their donation of helium for the balloons, and the Boy Scouts Troop #13 for the delicious homemade cookies!

Finally, we are indebted to the many volunteers who so kindly participated, including entire families, making this event a marvelous success. And we also thank Mr. Doug Robinson for provided the musical entertainment throughout the entire meal! All of these people lovingly gave of their personal time and energy on Thanksgiving Day so that many Needham residents could enjoy a hot, delicious Thanksgiving Dinner and experience true community together! Our heart-felt appreciation and gratitude to all of you!

Darrell Minnich, Chairperson
Thanksgiving Dinner Committee

Rotary Club of Needham and Needham Community Council