MARCO ISLAND — The noble idea to host a community Thanksgiving dinner for families in need and those without relatives in the area appears to have come from humble beginnings.
Directors of the civic group, Christmas Island Style, and owners of The Chef’s Express, a restaurant nestled in the Shops of Olde Marco, have joined together to host a Thanksgiving dinner for people in need on Marco Island.
“It all started from a combination of me liking cream of mushroom soup and them (the owners of The Chef’s Express) having great community spirit,” said Steve Stefanides, chairman of Christmas Island Style.
Stefanides said he frequents Chef’s Express for what he says is the best cream of mushroom soup on island and a visit for lunch earlier in November brought Stefanides and restaurant owner Rick Feinman together to begin talking about the idea.
When talking about the economy, Stefanides and Feinman said they could work together “for those that need a little lift” this Thanksgiving.
Rick Feinman and Ann Feinman hoped to give back to the community that has helped support their business by hosting a Thanksgiving dinner for a community that is now suffering through a difficult economy.
Stefanides said he instantly wanted to help.
“Marco Island is seen as a community immune to the dismal news coming from Wall Street and spiraling job losses, but for some on Marco they see beyond glitter, large homes and fancy cars. They see the impact that the downturn in the economy has brought to this small piece of paradise and are stepping forward to see to it that those most impacted by the slumping economic news get to enjoy a great holiday tradition with their families,” said Stefanides.
People who live on the island, or work on Marco and have children who attend Tommie Barfield Elementary and Marco Island Charter Middle School will be able to take advantage of the kindness that Rick and Annie Feinman want to make available, Stefanides said in an e-mail to the Eagle.
The schools helped distribute letters to potential families interested in an “extended family” Thanksgiving celebration.
Christmas Island Style volunteer Jose Granda, also a member of the city’s code enforcement board, invited widows and other Islanders who not only may lack money this year, but could also enjoy the company of others.
“It’s our way to give back something to a community that’s given us so much in the past,” said Rick Feinman.
A number of the volunteers from Christmas Island Style will be bussing tables and helping at the event, Stefanides said.
Chef’s Express is in charge of all the food preparation.
Stefanides smiled as he added: “They won’t have to eat my cooking, so they’ll be safe.”
Organizers anticipate up to 200 people and Feinman is awaiting confirmation from those invited to the feast, so he and his wife Annie can make their final preparations.
“The Feinman’s and the staff here at Chef’s Express showcase the wonderful sense of community and generosity that we have here on Marco,” said Stefanides.
The meal will be a traditional turkey dinner with perhaps a less traditional extended family consisting of a large island community.
There will be two seatings Thursday, 1 p.m. and 3 p.m., at The Chef’s Express, 176 Royal Palm Drive. The restaurant is open regularly for breakfast and lunch with information available by calling 393-2433.
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