Threats of rain and stricter Health Department regulations negating prepared food donations could not dampen the spirit of Union Station Homeless Services staff, volunteers and the thousands of people who turned out to enjoy the organization’s 41st annual Thanksgiving Dinner In-The-Park.
Under sunny skies, 4000 meals were served to homeless and low-income adults and families, senior citizens and people who may have otherwise
spent the holiday alone.
“It is always rewarding and inspiring to witness how people come together for important causes and events such as our Dinners-In-The-Park,” said Union Station Homeless Services’ CEO Rabbi Marvin M. Gross. “Generosity and gratitude were abounding at our Thanksgiving gathering and we look forward to serving up more good times during our Christmas Dinner-In-The-Park.”
Among the countless memorable moments during the Thanksgiving Day festivities was the presentation of a $200,000 “Neighborhood Builders award” from Bank of America. The Reverend Dr. Mark Smutny of Pasadena Presbyterian also delivered the Invocation and Mayor Bill Bogaard was on hand to serve food.
Sponsors also included HomeStreet Bank, Gonzalez Goodale Architects, Pasadena Federal Credit Union, Super King Markets, Longo Toyota-Scion-Lexus, and Laborers’ Local 777.
People interested in volunteering for Union Station Homeless Services Christmas Dinner-In-The-Park and those interested in donating or contributing non-perishable food items, can find more information at www.unionstationhs,org.