According to Lou Cardillo, a real estate broker, he and Carmel Councilwoman Suzi McDonough are working with Purple Heart Homes to put together a free holiday meal with all the trimmings for veterans.
Organizers are seeking volunteers to help pull off the Saturday, Nov. 21, event, Cardillo said. They are asking that donations of food, other goods and money be directed to the New York Downstate Chapter of the Purple Heart Homes.
Dinner will be served at the Putnam County Golf Course, 187 Hill St., Mahopac. Seating times will be 11:30 a.m. and 2 p.m.
Former state Sen. Greg Ball had worked with the community for the past four years on the dinner, which drew over 800 veterans and hundreds of local volunteers each year, Cardillo said.
“I always look forward to the veterans Thanksgiving dinner each year, as it is truly an incredible event for everyone who attends,” said Vietnam veteran and Purple Heart recipient Eugene Parrotta.
“Thanksgiving is a time for all of us to be thankful to all of our veterans and their families that served and are serving this great nation,” said McDonough, who is a member of Purple Heart Homes board.
Bobby Farese, Purple Heart Homes construction manager, said the event would not be possible without the help of local volunteers and restaurants.
“We need the community to step forward once again to share in an event that puts a smile on the faces of the real heroes that made America great,” Farese said.
Food donations sought include: uncooked turkeys (20 pounds or more), turkey gravy, canned string beans, canned whole white potatoes, canned corn, canned cranberry sauce, salad dressing, premade bags of stuffing, canned chicken broth and pies.
To RSVP for the dinner, or if you are interested in volunteering or donating goods, contact McDonough at suzi5mcdonough@gmail.com or 914-403-8463.
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