In the spirit of the Thanksgiving season, the Safeway Feast of Sharing and Events DC provided more than just a festive holiday meal for District residents in need. This 12th annual community event featured a job fair and free clothing, as well as health screenings, including free flu vaccines and diabetes testing. Volunteers and speakers included DC Mayor Vincent C. Gray, members of the City Council, Events DC Board Members and staff and Undefeated Heavyweight Contender Seth Mitchell.
“The only way an event of this kind can take place is through the spirit of giving,” said Gregory Ten Eyck, Safeway’s eastern director of public affairs. “All the partners associated with his function are donating their time and services because all of us believe we are not only sharing a holiday meal but also a message of hope to our neighbors in need. We’re pleased it has become a meaningful Thanksgiving tradition in Washington.”
About 4,000 city residents attended the Safeway Feast of Sharing, which is held at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center and brings together a host of community partners and volunteers, including the Salvation Army, Events DC, Metropolitan Baptist Church, SunTrust Bank and Centerplate/NBSE.
“We are proud to partner with Safeway for this significant event and look forward to welcoming District residents for a 12th consecutive year during this special holiday season to ensure they have access to city services, employment opportunities and a delicious dinner,” added Gregory A. O’Dell, Events DC president and chief executive officer.
In the job fair, the DC Department of Employment Services was joined by several employers offering entry-level employment opportunities.
SunTrust Bank sponsored a free shuttle bus that picked up and dropped off people from three Safeway stores—Good Hope Marketplace, Hechinger Mall and the Minnesota Ave./Benning Road, SE store.
The following are the partners contributing to the event:
- Safeway donated all the food, drinks, supplies and centerpieces
- Events DC provided Walter E. Washington Convention Center
- Centerplate/NBSE, the Convention Center’s caterer, prepared the meal
- Metropolitan Baptist Church organized and provided many of the volunteers
- Salvation Army identified and invited those in need
- Kool Smiles organized the job fair and healthcare expo
- SunTrust Bank sponsored aprons for volunteers and shuttle bus service
- Securpros provided security services
