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Tag: Let’s Give Thanks Together

Island community gives thanks together

Island community gives thanks together

Written by Joe Hendricks on . Posted in Anna Maria, Community News.

ANNA MARIA – Approximately 400 free Thanksgiving meals were served during the “Let’s Give Thanks Together” community gathering held at The Center of Anna Maria Island on Thanksgiving Day.

Duncan Real Estate owner Darcie Duncan conceived and helped organize the hurricane-inspired community gathering and approximately 80 volunteers assisted with the cooking, meal service, decorating and event set-up and breakdown. The gathering took place in and around a large tent on The Center property.

Island community gives thanks together
Darcie Duncan, right, was joined at the gathering by her parents, Judy and Marion Duncan. – Whitney Patton Photography | Submitted

“We served 300 pounds of turkey breast, 150 pounds of dark meat, 60 pies and countless side dishes,” Duncan said in the written statement she provided.

“We also paid local restaurants to make our side dishes to help those get back on their feet. Some restaurants still just wanted to donate and we appreciated that as well,” she added, noting that numerous silent financial and in-kind donors also helped cover the event costs.

Island community gives thanks together
Approximately 400 Thanksgiving dinners were served. – Whitney Patton Photography | Submitted

 

The idea for a community gathering and Thanksgiving dinner came to Duncan on a Saturday morning in early October while she was watching the “College Game Day” college football pregame show.

“That is when I heard the first Christmas commercial and I said to myself, ‘It’s going to be Thanksgiving soon and many won’t have their kitchens and homes back together,’ and from there, this event came to life. My first call was to Chris Culhane at The Center. He said, ‘Why not?’ Then I started making some calls and the event came to life,” Duncan explained.

Island community gives thanks together
Folks of all ages enjoyed the “Let’s Give Thanks Together” gathering. – Whitney Patton Photography | Submitted

“I must give a huge shout out to Bethany Carter and Jenn Sayko. I could not have pulled this together without them, as well as the countless donors and volunteers,” Duncan said in her statement.

“To see all our neighbors and friends come together over a meal and be able to visit, share stories and talk about what they are going through while enjoying some music and beautiful weather. It was perfect; and truly the best gift ever!” she wrote.

The gathering also served as a food drive for the Food Bank of Manatee.

Island community gives thanks together
The gathering took place at The Center under a large tent. – Darcie Duncan | Submitted

“Let’s Give Thanks Together” was sponsored by Duncan Real Estate, O’bricks Irish Pub & Martini Bar, Chateau 13, Anna Maria Oyster Bar, Duffy’s Tavern, gRub Tropical BBQ, Mermaid Pies, Graze Street AMI, Lola Wines/Gamble Creek Farms/Ed Chiles, The Mike Carter Family, US Foods, Sysco, Edward Don, Grooms Motors & Automotive, Barnes Walker, Whitney Patton Photography, Gold Coast Eagle Distributing and Tropicana.

‘Let’s Give Thanks Together’ reservations available

‘Let’s Give Thanks Together’ reservations available

Written by Joe Hendricks on . Posted in Featured.

ANNA MARIA – The people of Anna Maria Island, Cortez and the surrounding communities will come together on Thanksgiving Day for a celebration of gratitude, hope and community connection.

The Let’s Give Thanks Together community gathering will take place on Thursday, Nov. 28, from noon until 4 p.m. at The Center of Anna Maria Island, at 407 Magnolia Ave.

“This event invites neighbors, friends and families to share a meal, make lasting memories, and embrace the spirit of togetherness,” event organizer and Duncan Real Estate owner Darcie Duncan said.

“In light of recent events that have affected our community, this gather­ing offers an opportunity to reconnect with one another and find comfort in the bonds that make our community so special. The Center, long cherished as a hub for the Island, is the perfect setting for an event designed to bring people together in gratitude and celebration,” Duncan said.

The Let’s Give Thanks Together event will feature a complimentary Thanksgiving meal prepared by local businesses, showcasing the generosity and culinary talent of the Island. Guests can also enjoy live music, a kids’ zone with children’s activities and a welcoming atmosphere where everyone can feel at home.

“This event is about more than just a meal; it’s about connection,” Duncan said. “Thanksgiving Together is our chance to gather as a community, share laughter and stories and celebrate the strength and kindness that define Anna Maria Island and beyond.

“The event is a reflection of the resilience and warmth that make our community unique. It’s a time for neighbors to come together, not only to enjoy a meal but also to create new memories and embrace the spirit of the holiday season,” Duncan said.

Attendees are encouraged to bring a non-perishable food item to support the Food Bank of Manatee. Families are also invited to share their favorite recipes for a Community Gathering Cookbook – a collection of dishes and traditions that will represent the heart of the Anna Maria Island community.

To ensure there’s enough food and seating for every­one, RSVP reservations are required. Guests can reserve a spot by visiting the eventbrite website and searching for Let’s Give Thanks Together.

‘Let’s Give Thanks Together’ on Thanksgiving

‘Let’s Give Thanks Together’ on Thanksgiving

Written by Joe Hendricks on . Posted in Anna Maria Island, Community News.

ANNA MARIA – Duncan Real Estate owner Darcie Duncan, The Center of Anna Maria Island Executive Director Chris Culhane and others are organizing a Thanksgiving Day “Let’s Give Thanks Together” community gathering for Anna Maria Island residents.

The Thursday, Nov. 28 gathering from noon until 4 p.m. will be hosted at The Center, 407 Magnolia Ave. Full thanksgiving meals with all the trimmings will be provided free of charge but attendees are asked to reserve their seats in advance by visiting the eventbrite website.

Regarding the gathering, Duncan said, “What I started to recognize, as I have been out visiting with residents in their homes and just listening to the needs of the community, is that people are feeling disconnected. They don’t have their normal places to gather, as many are still in the process of rebuilding. Also, it is very apparent that many won’t have a kitchen to cook in or a home to gather in with friends and family. This just pulled at my heart so I thought what better way to bring our community together than over a Thanksgiving meal – a time for all of us to gather with our friends and neighbors and reconnect. We have so much to be grateful for. Having time to connect as our community heals is so important and the outpouring of support for this event is already overwhelming.”

The Gathering Cookbook will be published after the event and recipe contributors are asked to email or text their Thanksgiving recipes to darcie@teamduncan.com or 941-725-1589. You may also bring a printed or written recipe to the gathering on the day of the event.

Attendees are asked to bring non-perishable food items for the Food Bank of Manatee. Volun­teer sign-up sheets and additional details will be coming soon.