Here's Where to Volunteer on Thanksgiving and Show Santa Cruz Spirit

The Friends of Thanksgiving have reached their financial goal and will put on a spectacular dinner for those in need Thanksgiving.

It's a wonderful day for all as past dinners have shown. 

Here's the latest information:

Friends of Thanksgiving Spokesperson Steve Pleich announced today that preparations for the November 28th dinner at the Civic Auditorium are being finalized with the help of several local heroes, saints and culinary superstars. Well-known local resident and County Treasurer Fred Keeley has been instrumental in helping Friends of Thanksgiving reach its cash donation goal, once again assuming the role as the event's single largest contributor with a $1,500 personal cash donation. “Fred simply stepped in and got the job done quietly and without fanfare” said Pleich. “That, to me, is the measure of a community hero.”

The Friends also confirmed that the “saintly” folks at Pacific Cookie Company are providing the ovens needed to cook the 60 turkeys necessary to feed the expected 1,000 to 1,200 diners. “Larry Pearson's generosity in lending us the use of their ovens, particularly at this time of year, is overwhelming” said lead meal planner Pastor Dennis Adams. The Friends are also very pleased to announce that Mikey Adams the Culinary Innovator of Ecopia Farms and Santos Majano, Head Chef of Soif Restaurant and Wine Bar will be lending their nationally renowned expertise and artistry to help create a meal worthy of celebration.

To sign up for one of the many volunteer opportunities still available, please go to friendsofthanksgiving2013@gmail.com. Cash contributions can be made on line at actsoflovefoundation.org or by mailing cash, check or money order to Acts of Love Foundation, P.O. Box 3240, Santa Cruz, CA 95063. General event information is available by calling Steve Pleich at (831) 466-6078 or on the Friends of Thanksgiving Facebook page.

Thank you and The Friends of Thanksgiving are saving a place at our table just for you!