Nothing makes me prouder on Thanksgiving than to volunteer at the Yountville Community Thanksgiving Dinner, organized by Jeff Durham for the past several years. I think I’ve only missed two since moving to Napa Valley in 2015. I always look forward to seeing the repeat volunteers and meeting new ones, especially the kids.
It’s a free event (donations welcome) for the incredibly grateful residents of Yountville and their guests. Today’s ran like a well-oiled machine, or Michelin-starred restaurant, with volunteers delivering platters in unison, refilling wine glasses before guests asked, removing dirty plates in a timely manner, etc.
In addition to an in-person dinner for 80 people, 60 meals were delivered to residents (Yountville Mayor Margie Mohler was among the volunteers who delivered) , making this year’s Community Thanksgiving the largest ever.
I raise a glass to Jeff, my fellow volunteers, all those who donated, and the appreciative residents. I’m grateful to live in Yountville.
From left: Yountville Mayor Margie Mohler, Kelly E. Carter and Jeff Durham (top), volunteers serve guests (bottom), Kelly E. Carter on Washington Street after volunteering shift ends.
