Community Thanksgiving

There were nearly 300 attendees at Thursday’s Thanksgiving Feast at the Saugatuck Congregational Church in Westport.

The feast, which draws community members, families, and individuals from all over the area, is in it’s 39th year of serving traditional Thanksgiving dinner of turkey, mashed potatoes, vegetables, sweet potatoes, gravy and dessert.

All food served was donated by local merchants and volunteers were on hand to cook, serve, help guests with special needs, clean, decorate and deliver food to people who could not make it to the feast.

The underlying theme throughout the event was community. From those who came to volunteer, to those who wanted simply to enjoy a good meal and companionship, the feast has grown into a tradition that is an anticipated event.

“I don’t have family in the area," said Norwalk resident Valerie Sheffer. "This is my second year coming to the feast, and I came the first time because I was promised a fun time and good food..and I came back this year to experience that again."  

The feast is completely dependent on volunteers; many volunteers come back year after year.

Addie Conti, a 10 year veteran of working in the kitchen, became a volunteer after her children grew up and decided it was time to give back to the community.

“I don’t want to be anywhere else for Thanksgiving," Conti said. "I can see my friends anytime, but this, this is my joy; this is special.”

Conti said the best part about the feast is the volunteers' dedication. "When we’re in the kitchen, everybody blends together, everybody helps, and asks ‘what can I do?’” 

Westporter Jeff Dymant brought daughter Allie, 9, sons Trevor, 13, and Tyler, 11, to volunteer at the feast to instill a sense of giving back that will continue throughout their lives.

“It is important to help people, and to help people who might not have as much as we do,” Trevor said.

John Danner, the Senior Pastor of the Saugatuck Congregational Church has witnessed the feast over the past nine years. The real significance of the feast, he feels, is the demonstration of community and appreciation for community. This year, the ceremonial keys were passed down from the retiring head chef, who's served the past 25 years, Ricki Letowt to the new head chef, Paula Mikesh. Pastor Danner chose that moment as one that has stuck out in his mind over the last several years, because, he explains, “It is concrete evidence that this (event) is greater than any single person. The tradition of the feast will continue to grow.”

Sam, a 75 year-old minister from a Stamford church, is so appreciative just to be somewhere where people care, and take the time to host an event in a community, “where the need is great.”

Conti observes, “The gratitude, and the genuine gratefulness of people...everyone says thank you, that is truly the spirit of this event and the ideal of this community.”

As two lines formed, the food was served and participants mingled and shared stories, all were reminded what Thanksgiving is really about: gratitude.

Story by Patch contributor Amelia West, who also volunteered at the event.