Thanksgiving Day, November 28, 2024, our adventurers achieved a significant goal--A Thanksgiving Dinner for our community! How did it all begin and what steps did youth supervisors take to make this a success? We partnered with Anna Steckler, Miss Lafayette, USA and her N. E. E. D. S. program; Mrs. Carol Steckler; Freedom Family Church; Hundredfold Coffee; John Deville, Cajun Catfish; and Evangeline--St. Landry United Way to provide a traditional Thanksgiving meal to those in our community who needed a meal, had no one to spend Thanksgiving with, feeling lonely and depressed, or anyone who just wanted to come in and dine with us.
Level Two Youth Supervisors Zaleria Calvin, Nylah Guillory, Lauren White, Whitnee Riley, and Mozie Sanchez were responsible for creating menu, deciding on dine-in set up, to-go area, and delivery sections. They were responsible for securing donations and supervising the operation of the day. The youth supervisors created a traditional Thanksgiving menu that consisted of Roasted Turkey, Savory Pork Loin, Rice Dressing, Cornbread Dressing, Sweet Potato Casserole, Corn Maque Choux, Green Beans Casserole, Coleslaw, Mac 'n' Cheese, and Dinner role. A variety of cupcakes, cakes, pies flooded the dessert tables. Our dine-in guests had the pleasure for watching the youth decorate desserts right in front of them! Water and orange drinks were beverages of the day.
They reached out to churches, businesses, and organizations for assisting in providing food items or monetary donations for decorations and other supplies. There was a total of 8 churches, 2 businesses, 4 organizations, and 12 individual donors who contributed. There was 22 adults and 7 youths (aside from the supervisors) who volunteered to make this event a success. Three of the volunteers were visiting from South France and three came from Lafayette to volunteer. Of the seven youth two were from Tulsa, Ok. All other volunteers were from our community. Chamber of Commerce board members (Dr. Gwen Fontenot, Connie Lamke, and Saidah Sawtelle) were "all-in" during the event. Linda Lebsack contributed prior to event. Although Pastor Steven Sawtelle had family at home, he came by and gave a little help. Our volunteers were sorority sisters, ministers and their wives, church members, local citizens---a representation from every walk. It was electrifying!!!!
Total collected (non-monetary and monetary) had monetary value of $4351.00. We served 230 plates (dine in, pick-up, and delivery) which resulted in each everyone receiving a plate valued at $18.92. The dine in tables were set up to resemble a huge oval-shaped family table. Table decorations were created by Monique who was visiting from South France. The entry way had a fall theme balloon arch and everyone who came in was treated to a picture in front of the backdrop. They could either put picture on backdrop or take picture home. Mayor Ryan and Councilman Roy were "all hands-on deck". Councilman Riggs and Councilwoman Sam was unable to stay but did contribute and stopped by.
Our youth supervisors take their position seriously. Immediately when dismissed from school for holiday break, most of them left town for visit with family. However, these young ladies showed up to fulfill their commitment on Thanksgiving Day. When we were done, they went back to visit with family out of town. What amazing leaders they are becoming. What amazing parents! These five young ladies have proven time and time again they clearly understand commitment, loyalty, and responsibility.
Our youth supervisors stated main take aways for them were learning how to organize large event, how to work with people outside our organization, how to work within a budget when there are no available funds, but most of all what it truly means to put service over self. Enjoy the images!!
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