Editor’s note: Last year, a free community pre-Thanksgiving meal called Rockbridge FriendsGiving was presented at the Virginia Horse Center by three organizations, the Feed the Need Foundation, Rockbridge Connect & Nourish and the Community Foundation for Rockbridge, Bath and Alleghany.
This year, two follow-up community dinners are being offered by two of those three groups on different nights of the same week at the Virginia Horse Center. Last week, The News-Gazette ran a press release from Rockbridge Connect & Nourish about its Rockbridge FriendsGiving Grateful Together meal on Thursday, Nov. 19. The following is the press release we received from the Feed the Need Foundation about its Rockbridge FriendsGiving meal on Nov. 16.
Following the overwhelming response to last year’s inaugural gathering, the Feed the Need Foundation has announced the details for Rockbridge FriendsGiving - Second Annual. This completely free holiday community dinner will take place on Monday, Nov. 16, from 4 to 8 p.m. at the Virginia Horse Center, Anderson Coliseum Mezzanine.
“Rockbridge FriendsGiving was created to bring our community together around one simple idea: we are all in this together,” said Kathy Larlee, chairman of the Feed the Need Foundation. “Rockbridge Friends-Giving is for everyone. Whether you come to enjoy a meal, volunteer your time, or simply connect with others, we are glad you are here. Our goal is not only to serve a meal, but to let our community members know we care about them.”
The continuation of FTNF’s endeavor fulfills a promise made prior to last year’s turnout: “If the need is here, FTNF will make this an annual event,” said Larlee at the time.
“The community showed up and Feed the Need Foundation will keep our word,” she said.
In addition to fellowship and food, this year’s event will feature a community coat drive. Guests are encouraged to bring a winter coat to donate if they are able, or to pick one up free of charge if they are in need of winter wear.
Guests will enjoy a Thanksgiving feast with food contributions provided by local favorites including Lexington Catering, Sweet Treats, Washington and Lee University, Chef Collin Donnelly, and Sodexo at Knight Dining. To complement the holiday fellowship, the evening will feature a live musical performance by area musician Jason Hostetter.
To ensure the dinner remains completely accessible to everyone in the community, free transportation services are available for individuals aged 65 and older or those living with a self-reported disability. The deadline to coordinate free rides is Nov. 11. To schedule transportation, residents can call (540) 463-3346 or email [email protected].
No reservations or tickets are required to attend. However, to help volunteers prepare and plan, guests are asked to send a headcount containing their zip code and the number of guests in their party through one of three channels: Website: Submit via the online form at rockbridgefriendsgiving.org.
Email: Send details directly to [email protected].
Text message: Text party details directly to 540-4660571.
Rockbridge FriendsGiving is a registered state SCC DBA and holds the official USPTO Federal Trademark Registration (Reg. No. 8,454,953) under the 501(c) (3) nonprofit umbrella of the Feed the Need Foundation (EIN: 86-1589929), a 100% volunteer organization.
For general questions, details on how to get involved, or to volunteer, community members can visit the official website or reach out via email.
