The Boys & Girls Club of Greenwich reprised a favorite tradition on Tuesday night with the 15th annual Thanksgiving feast, serving a whopping 416 hot meals.
The meal included turkey, gravy, stuffing, green beans, mashed potatoes, dinner rolls and a choice of apple or pumpkin pie with whipped cream.
“The one thing is the need is greater than people realize. But this event is about family,” said Boys & Girls Club CEO Bobby Walker. “Whether you are in need or not.”
Dozens of volunteers – from board members to the principal of Eastern Middle School Ralph Mayo and headmaster Chris Winters of Greenwich High School – helped out at the event, which was also something of a homecoming, with several club kids returning from college for the feast. In fact, several of the volunteers were once club kids themselves, including Greenwich Police Chief Jim Heavey and Parks & Recreation Director Joe Sicliano.
“Last year about five cops volunteered here,” said officer Tom Huestis. “They came back and said how touching it was, and spread the word. This year there are about 30 officers helping out.”
“This is all positive,” Huestis added. “We deal with so much negative on a daily basis.”
“This is a great opportunity to connect in a positive manner,” said Sergeant Tim Hilderbrand. “We like the interaction with the kids.”
The event was sponsored by Morgan Stanley. Catering was courtesy of Watson’s Catering. The turkeys were donated by Stew Leonard’s.
Boys & Girls Club CEO Bobby Walker and his daughter Maya at the club’s Thanksgiving event. Nov 21, 2017 Photo: Leslie Yager
Several Boys & Girls Club alumni returned for the Thanksgiving feast, Nov. 21, 2017 Photo: Leslie Yager
Kerry Gavin and the pie crew at the Boys & Girls Club Thanksgiving feast, No. 21, 2017 Photo: Leslie Yager
Dozens of volunteers manned the stations at the Boys & Girls Club Thanksgiving feast, Nov. 21, 2017 Photo: Leslie Yager
Sally Lawrence, Takeia McAlister and Gretchen Bylow at the Boys & Girls Club Thanksgiving feast, Nov. 21, 2017 Photo: Leslie Yager
Jimmy Loughran, Sally Lawrence, Gretchen Bylow and Takeia McAlister were among the volunteers who manned the stations at the Boys & Girls Club Thanksgiving feast, Nov. 21, 2017 Photo: Leslie Yager
Ralph Mayo, Janet Zide, Bill Gallagher and Chrissy von Oiste were among dozens of volunteers who manned the stations at the Boys & Girls Club Thanksgiving feast, Nov. 21, 2017 Photo: Leslie Yager
Dr. Chris Winters, Jimmy Loughran and Sally Lawrence were among the volunteers manned the stations at the Boys & Girls Club Thanksgiving feast, Nov. 21, 2017 Photo: Leslie Yager
Officers Ericka Garcia and Fred Reich with friends at the Boys & Girls Club Thanksgiving feast, Nov. 21, 2017 Photo: Leslie Yager
Officer Michael Hall and Boys & Girls Club athletic coordinator Camryn Ferrara at the Thanksgiving feast, Nov. 21, 2017 Photo: Leslie Yager
Boys & Girls Club athletic coordinator Camryn Ferrara with friends at the club’s Thanksgiving dinner, Nov. 21, 2017 Photo: Leslie Yager
Janet Zide, Bill Gallagher and Chrissy von Oiste were among dozens of volunteers who manned the stations at the Boys & Girls Club Thanksgiving feast, Nov. 21, 2017 Photo: Leslie Yager
Rick Cochran and the Boys & Girls Club honor guard including Jamie Martinez, Leroy Obaanda, Sofia Munoz, Christopher Munoz, Jennifer Yin and Jasmine Scott. Nov. 21, 2017 Photo: Leslie Yager
Camryn Ferrara gave thanks at the Boys and Girls Club. Nov. 21, 2017 Photo: Leslie Yager
Dozens of volunteers manned the stations at the Boys & Girls Club Thanksgiving dinner, Nov. 21, 2017 Photo: Leslie Yager
Dozens of volunteers manned the stations at the Boys & Girls Club Thanksgiving dinner, Nov. 21, 2017 Photo: Leslie Yager
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