🦃 Lake Tansi Catering's 5th Annual Friendsgiving Offers Free Thanksgiving Meal and Community Fellowship

Lake Tansi Catering is opening its doors on Thanksgiving Day to serve a free community meal at the Thunderbird Recreation Center, continuing a tradition that has grown to feed hundreds of neighbors seeking good food, company, and connection during the holiday.

📍 Event Details and How to Participate

The 5th Annual Friendsgiving event takes place on Thursday, November 26th, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Thunderbird Recreation Center, 106 Deer Run Circle, Lake Tansi. 🎉 The meal is completely free-no registration, no requirements beyond a smile. Attendees can eat as much as they like, and the kitchen will serve until either the food runs out or everyone is satisfied.

For those unable to leave home, Lake Tansi Catering will take delivery orders on Thanksgiving Day from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. by calling 931-261-9572. Delivery availability will depend on volunteer capacity, so the team encourages community members to attend in person when possible.

🤝 Seeking Donations and Volunteers

The event is built on community support. Lake Tansi Catering is requesting donations of turkeys, dressing, bags of potatoes, green beans, rolls, and desserts. 🍂 Volunteers are also needed to help serve, deliver meals, and support the day’s operations. Donations can be dropped off at Jennifer’s office at the Thunderbird. Those who donate are still welcome to enjoy the meal-donations are never required to participate.

💝 A Meal in Honor of Community and Memory

This year marks a significant milestone for the event. Lake Tansi Catering is dedicating the 5th Annual Friendsgiving in honor of Connie King-Sauer, the mother of the catering company’s owner, who passed away on October 7, 2025. ❤️ Connie was deeply involved in the event, baking desserts and cherishing the fellowship and togetherness it created. Her love for giving to others and connecting with community members inspired the spirit that continues to drive this gathering.

“This event is for EVERYONE that is alone, needs a good home cooked meal, doesn’t want to cook and clean up, and most of all want to have great fellowship with those around you,” the organizers wrote. Last year, the event served over 300 people, and organizers are aiming to reach that number again in 2026.

✨ Why This Matters

Friendsgiving fills a real need in the community. For people without family nearby, those facing hardship, or anyone simply seeking warm company on a holiday, this free meal and gathering space offers more than food-it offers belonging. 🏘️ The fact that it’s not sponsored by any homeowners association or club means it’s truly open to everyone in the area, regardless of membership or status.

For more information or to volunteer, community members can reach out through Lake Tansi Catering or contact the Thunderbird Recreation Center directly.