Thanksgiving Luncheon: Community, Compassion, and Hope
On November 26th, The Sharing Center campus was filled with the spirit of gratitude and community during the Thanksgiving Neighborly Luncheon. Hosted and sponsored by The Good Pour Wine & Spirits, this annual event brought together over 200 individuals, including homeless neighbors, local businesses, volunteers, and community leaders, to celebrate the true meaning of Thanksgiving—connection, compassion, and giving back.
The luncheon featured a traditional Thanksgiving meal, prepared and served with care by community partners. Sonny’s BBQ provided roasted turkey and all the fixings, while the First African Methodist Episcopal Church donated spiral hams, and Hollerbach’s German Restaurant contributed decadent desserts. Guests enjoyed this delicious feast surrounded by warmth and hospitality, with contributions from The Foundry Church, which supplied tables and chairs, and Rusty’s Bicycle Recycle, which provided a large tent for the occasion. Miles to Go Charities added a special touch with dignity bags containing hygiene items, snacks, and weather essentials.
“It’s not just the food, it’s the kindness and care that mean the most,” shared Marlee, a guest who has faced housing instability for over a year. “Today, I felt seen and valued, and that’s something I don’t experience every day.”
The day was made possible by The Sharing Center’s dedicated volunteers, who transformed the space into a welcoming environment and served as waitstaff and hosts. Jennifer Herklotz, Event Coordinator at The Sharing Center, reflected on the event, saying, “This is what Thanksgiving is truly about—coming together to share and support one another, especially those in crisis.”
As attendees lingered after the meal, chatting with volunteers and connecting with one another, the sense of hope and community was palpable. For many, it was a reminder that even in challenging times, there are people and organizations willing to extend a hand.
The Good Pour Wine & Spirits has committed to making the Thanksgiving Neighborly Luncheon an annual tradition, and their partnership with The Sharing Center is a testament to the power of community-driven impact. “We wanted to do more than just give back this Thanksgiving,” said Susan Boucher, Vice President of Business Development at The Good Pour. “We wanted to create a space where everyone could feel the warmth of the season and know they are part of this community.”
As we look to the future, events like this exemplify the importance of supporting our neighbors in need year-round. Through our Hope for Tomorrow campaign, you can help us continue to provide meals, resources, and care for those experiencing hunger and homelessness.
Donate Now to Bring Hope to Our Community
Together, we can ensure no one in Seminole County feels forgotten. Thank you for making events like this possible and for being part of our mission to bring hope and stability to all.
