Kids & Family

A Feast For 500, Thanks to Local Restaurants and Volunteers

Hot turkey, gravy and mashed potatoes will be served Tuesday night by caring volunteers to anyone who wants a seat at the table.

A Thanksgiving feast will be served to 500 people Tuesday night at St. Benedict School cafeteria, thanks to numerous community volunteers and local businesses. 

To the surprise of the organizers, the number of people who reserved for the free dinner surpasses last year's number, when so many Bayshore residents and families were caught off-balance in those weeks after Superstorm Sandy. 

"The need continues to grow, and RAINE continues to help," said RAINE Foundation President Mike Fabozzi. He said the charity, focused on helping Bayshore-area families, could not organize this event without the help of donors. 

Holiday Inn in Hazlet is sending 20 hot turkeys and gravy. IHOP Keyport will prepare sliced turkey for 450 people. Perkins Pancake House in Hazlet is mashing 15 trays of mashed potatoes. Trump National Golf Club in Colts Neck is providing 16 trays of stuffing. Dixie Lee Bakery in Keansburg is baking 5 dozen rolls. Patti Dowd is in charge of salad and green beans. Giuseppe's Pizza in Hazlet is offering penne alla vodka. Aleo's of Lincroft will do the sweet potatoes. Gem's Bagels of Hazlet will handle desserts, with the gift of 50 fruit pies from Perkins in Wall. 

Volunteers from St Benedict's Church, the St Vincent de Paul Society of Holmdel the RAINE Foundation and other local groups will help serve, clean-up and bus guests who need transportation from St. Marks in Keansburg. There is a 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. seating.

The reservation deadline has passed for the Nov. 26 event, but Fabozzi said anyone who would like to squeeze in at the table and join neighbors in fellowship and thanks-giving, can email RSVP@rainefoundation.com or call 732-865-3555. 


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