Amanda Johnson Havre Daily News ajohnson@havredailynews.com
This year’s Community Thanksgiving Dinner, funded by an anonymous donor, was deemed a huge success by organizers. Volunteers from as far away as the United Kingdom showed up to help serve the guests that turned out to enjoy the annual feast. “I would like to take a moment to say thank you to all who came to have dinner at the Thanksgiving Day Dinner,” said Kitty Williams, coordinator. “To all the wonderful volunteers that gave their time and fellowship to serve close to 750 people, takeOut dinners and those that came to the Parish Center to dine with us.” “We had volunteers from as far away as England, Mandy Hansen’s parents and her two boys,” said Williams. “There was a family of five from Utah as well as some new faces and a lot of the ones that come each year. It was an amazing day and I would like to complement each and every one of you for all your hard work John Chapman for manning the coffee area and Connie Chapman for being with me from start to finish. Thanks to Leanne Johnson from Feed My Sheep Soup Kitchen for coming to get the leftovers, they will be put to good use. Without the anonymous donor and the staff at Gary & Leo’s Fresh Foods and the many volunteers this dinner would not happen. Thanks to the crew that came in Wednesday, Nov. 26, to help set up and prepare for the take out dinners, set tables and put out decorations. Thanks to the Boys and Girls Club for providing the table decorations again this year, they were great. I will see if they can be used at other functions,” said Williams. Volunteers spanning across generations worked to serve the people that showed up to partake in thankful spirit. “We had a new cook in the kitchen, Pete Kuhr and his wife Tina Kuhr. Thanks for all your hard work. It was an amazing day and I would like to complement each and every one of you for all your hard work,” said Williams. "I have enjoyed the six years that I have helped, from starting out cutting the turkeys and helping with the take outs to coordinating, it’s been a wonderful experience. Thanks to everyone for a wonderful and enjoyable time. Gods’ blessings on each of you this holiday season, may you all have a safe and blessed Christmas from my house to yours,” Williams said. Williams is hoping to retire and turn the turkey dinner reins over to someone new. Anyone who feels they are interested in taking over as the coordinator for the annual dinner can call Kitty Williams at 265-1007 after 6 p.m. or by e-mail at kittywilliams57@hotmail. Com.
