The First Facility Management Blog

Safeway, a food and drug retailer, is hosting its 8th Annual Feast of Sharing at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington, DC this Wednesday, November 21. The Thanksgiving holiday event will provide meals and a wide range of services to members of the community. It will take place between 10am and 2pm.

Over the past seven years, Safeway’s Feast of Sharing has benefited more than 35,000 DC residents. In addition to serving holiday meals, the event offers free health screenings and flu vaccines, winter clothing for adults and children, and financial planning workshops. The Department of Employment Services and representatives from area businesses will also be on hand to provide information about employment opportunities and job training.

“The only way an event of this kind is possible each year is through the spirit of giving,” said Greg TenEyck, director of public affairs and government relations for Safeway. “All the partners associated with this event 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. As we enter into our eighth year of service, we’re pleased Feast of Sharing has become such a meaningful Thanksgiving tradition in Washington.”

This year, the Professional Conventions Management Association (PCMA) awarded the Walter E. Washington Convention Center (formerly the Washington Convention Center) with the prestigious Spirit Award for its contributions to the Feast of Sharing. The award is presented to an organization within the meetings and conventions industry that has significantly impacted others in a charitable way.

Reba Pittman Walker, CEO and general manager, and staff will accept the award in Seattle at PCMA’s Annual Meeting.

“I commend our staff who put their heart and soul into this event. The Walter E. Washington Convention Center team sees this as an opportunity to make a significant contribution to the community where we do business,” noted Beverly Perry, Chair, Washington Convention Center Authority.

Several organizations provide supplies, materials, equipment and volunteers to make Safeway’s Feast of Sharing possible each year, including The Salvation Army, SunTrust Bank, AmeriGroup, and Metropolitan Baptist Church.

“We are proud to be a part of this event because it makes such a tremendous impact on the lives of residents and families in the city,” said Captain Steve Morris, Area Commander, National Capital Area Command of The Salvation Army. “Feast of Sharing proves that great things can happen when the community comes together to help others.”

According to estimates from Safeway, this year’s Feast of Sharing will involve:
* Over 800 volunteers from prepping to serving to produce dinner for about 4000 people
* Over 3500 hours of volunteered man hours worked
* Over 1750 pounds of turkey cooked equals 145 turkeys
* Over 1000 pounds of greens cooked
* Over 1000 sweet potatoes cooked and sweetened
* Over 500 boxes of bread stuffing accompanied by 80 gallons of gravy
* Over 500 pies baked and sliced.
* Over 150 cases of soda and water consumed
* Over 80 gallons of coffee brewed fresh
* Over 1500 pounds of cooked foods are donated afterwards to DC Shelters & Kitchens to further provide meals to others after the Feast.