Contributed by Joan Klapperich
The Christmas Holiday Season can be a difficult time for many for a multitude of reasons, and that’s why as a community, the tradition of the Christmas Friendship Dinner is once again a truly joyful experience for many.
What is the Christmas Friendship Dinner?
It’s a holiday tradition started over three decades ago by Bob and Judy Bowers for the Mat-Su community to come together to share a wonderfully home-cooked meal of holiday delectable delights including turkey, ham, stuffing, and all the trimmings, including a fabulous dessert, all without a cost. All are invited and welcome to come.
While enjoying this festive meal, you’ll enjoy some wonderful live holiday entertainment that includes bagpipes, tuba’s, choirs, and local vocalists and musicians.
Santa’s wonderland will be set up with a special visitation from Santa, and he’ll have some toys for the kiddos.
Military Christmas trees will be decorated, and a table set for the Unknown Soldier.
Stories are told, compassion and camaraderie are shared, and the love for one another abounds.
Meals are prepared and delivered to the homebound and their families from Sutton to Talkeetna. A drive through service will also be available for pickup of holiday meals.
Who? The Christmas Friendship Dinner is a non-profit organization of volunteers that donate their valuable time and resources year-round dedicated to the success of the Dinner and event. Local businesses, individuals, and organizations donate food, money, services for the success of the event. An estimated 400 plus volunteers serve or provide a needed duty for 3,000 plus dinners prepared, and other ‘elf-like’ needs of the event. (That’s 2 tons of turkey, 800 pounds of carrots to give you a little idea!)
The entire community is invited and welcome to come. You will see children, families, elderly, and all sorts of local community members. A great event to strike up a conversation and make a few new friends, too!
Where? The buffet-style dinner is held on the MTA Turf Field of the Menard Sports Center, and drive-through is also on premise at 1001 S. Clapp St. Wasilla.
When? Meals are served from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. on Christmas Day December 25th.
How? If you need a meal for the homebound or their families, please fill out the form on the website: www.christmasfriendshipdinner.com by 3 p.m. Dec. 23rd
To volunteer, call Tia at 907-631-9767; or email: CFDinnerinfo@gmail.com
Donations are kindly accepted, but not on the day of the event.
Participate, volunteer, donate, spread some Christmas cheer, and know what it’s like to live in a generous and loving community! Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas! Hope to see you there!