2023 Thanksgiving Event Was a Heartfelt Celebration of Hope
In the spirit of giving and gratitude, One Stop Cares, the non-profit organization closely affiliated with affordable workforce housing developer, One Stop Housing, recently hosted a remarkable Thanksgiving Day Event on November 22, 2023, aimed at bringing hope and support to families facing housing, employment, financial, and/or other social challenges in the Sarasota and Manatee County area. The event was a tremendous success, thanks to the collaborative efforts of numerous organizations and sponsors.
A Warm Thanksgiving Feast
Over 430 hot and hearty meals were served, prepared with love and dedication by six local restaurants—Ana Maria Oyster Bar, The Spot Tacos, Village Café, Fernandez Cakes & Catering, Cragers, and Sunnyside Café. In addition to the festive feast, more than 350 bags of food were distributed, ensuring that families could continue to enjoy the holiday spirit after the Thanksgiving holiday.
Resources and Guidance
The heart of the event lay in the diverse range of support services offered. Representatives from seven organizations, including Careersource, Turning Points, Manatee County Government, Goodwill Sarasota, Hope Pathways of Manatee County, Six Star Consultants Group, Aetna Insurance, and Archwell, were on hand to provide valuable resources. From job opportunities, cell phones, and insurance coverage to rental assistance, these organizations played a crucial role in providing a pathway forward for many families and individuals in attendance.
Compassionate Community Engagement
The One Stop Housing Team, accompanied by more than 30 dedicated volunteers, ensured that guests felt welcome and supported throughout the event. Special thanks to Manatee County Commissioners Jason Bearden and George Kruse for their hands-on involvement, embodying the spirit of community engagement.
Gratitude for Sponsors
The success of the Thanksgiving Event would not have been possible without the generous support of sponsors. A heartfelt thank you to Beson4, Hankin & Hankin, The Educated Franchise, and Miles & Thirion for their valuable contributions, helping to cover logistical costs and enabling the event's seamless execution.
Community Awareness Support
Thank you to ABC 7, who played a crucial role in building community awareness, offering special coverage before and during the event. Their dedication ensured that the broader community was informed about this beacon of hope. Thank you also to all of the media who helped us promote the event and turnout success.
Reflecting on Success
As we reflect on the success of the Thanksgiving Event, One Stop Cares and One Stop Housing would like to extend our deepest gratitude one more time to all of the participating organizations, sponsors, volunteers, and the broader community. Together, we have made a significant impact providing hope, nourishment and support to those in need.