For the past 14 years, Stadium Grille (104 Turner Lane, West Chester) has given back to the community by serving Thanksgiving meals for members of the Coatesville VA Medical Center and Safe Harbor, a homeless shelter in West Chester.
It started with about 100 people and a handful of Stadium Grille staff members who donated their time. When customers and other people heard about the event the following year, they wanted to join in, and it has grown ever since. Last year, they served around 200 people at their restaurant, 100 to 150 meals go back to the VA hospital, and the rest (including 80 or 90 turkeys that are used throughout Christmas) are donated to the Lord’s Pantry in Downingtown and the Chester County Food Bank.
This year’s 14th Annual Kevin Marlo Thanksgiving Day Feast will be on Nov. 25 at around noon.
After Sept. 11, the meal was renamed to honor a Henderson grad was killed in the World Trade Center. Kevin was very well known at Stadium Grille and his family and friends have returned every year since to serve meals to the veterans. They view it as a nice bonding day to tell stories and celebrate Kevin’s life.
“The event itself has grown to be more than just a restaurant thing; it is now a community thing,” said Stadium Grille owner and event organizer, Bob Batley. “There is no one huge donor, but there has been a big community effort and I just wanted to say thank you.”
In 2009, about 100 families and 30 businesses contributed money. Homemade decorations and cards for the veterans were made by elementary school students. Local businesses donated their services, including a public relations firm doing PR for the event, and an electrician rewiring the restaurant to accommodate more ovens. When the event got too big for Stadium Grille, Westtown School offered to cook 30 turkeys bright and early on Thanksgiving Day in their large kitchen. Numerous families baked desserts and handed out goodie bags for the vets.
A bountiful buffet is set up with 30 turkeys, 40 pounds of mushrooms (to add some Chester County flair), 60 pies, mashed potatoes, green beans and corn. There’s a team of carvers, led by Kevin’s dad. Many of the volunteers bring their families along, inspiring the next generation to give back.
Stadium Grille is seeking monetary donations, free turkey coupons, desserts and goodie bags. Last year they collected 110 turkeys, and not as many stores are able to donate turkeys this year. They also need volunteers to help serve on Thanksgiving from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. If you’re interested in making a donation or assisting for this event: contact Bob Batley at [email protected] or 610-344-7860.
—
Phoebe Kitson is the program manager at the Chester County Food Bank. They support 27 food cupboards and 36 agencies who receive government and donated foods throughout the county. In 2010, they distributed 1 million pounds of food, serving 32,000 families, 73,163 adults, 31,143 children and 19, 615 seniors.
“Our job is to match the people who have food with those who are less fortunate than we are, due to whatever circumstance in that life which has not allowed them to get healthy food for their kids,” Kitson said. “We are committed to making that work for however long it takes. We firmly believe that no one should go hungry, especially in Chester County. We know the food is here. We just have to help get it to our kids, the elderly, to our individuals and our families.”
The Chester County Food Bank is always looking for partnerships with restaurants and grocery stores to donate food throughout the county, and companies to do food drives throughout the holiday season and during the rest of the year. They are also looking for food donations (especially healthy items and produce) or monetary contributions. Call 610-873-6000 or visit chestercountyfoodbank.org.
So when you go to the supermarket to do your holiday shopping this year, pick up some extra things for the Chester County Food Bank or bake some cookies or a pie for Stadium Grille. Volunteers are certainly needed on Thanksgiving Day to help out at Stadium Grille or all year long at the Chester County Food Bank. After all, the holidays are a time to give thanks and to come together.
Just because times are tough, doesn’t mean we can’t lend a hand..
3 Comments