News release promoting a Thanksgiving celebration event, free and open to the community of Miami-Dade.

1. Contact: Marilyn Brummitt
Development Director
Office: (305) 571-2200
Cell: (941) 223-0529
marilynb@caringplace.org
Miami Rescue Mission/Broward Outreach Centers Feed the Homeless and
Hungry at the Great Thanksgiving Banquet and Block Party
Nearly 3,000 Thanksgiving Meals Were Served to Those Who Need It Most
November 22, 2012
Miami, Florida
The Miami Rescue Mission/Broward Outreach Centers served almost 3,000 traditional meals
this Thanksgiving starting around 11:00 a.m. until the last hungry person was fed around 1:00 p.m.
Over 600 volunteers served and waited on the homeless and hungry of South Florida at their three
campuses in Miami, Hollywood and Pompano Beach. Helping the hundreds of volunteers were such
great Honorary Chairs including the Hollywood Commissioner Peter Hernandez, Mayor of Tamarac
Pamela Bushnell, Michael Capponi of the Capponi Group, as well as several models from Bella
Fashions Design.
Those in attendance were treated to a fantastic meal that consisted of turkey, mashed
potatoes, a green bean casserole, stuffing, pumpkin pie and other tasty treats. In addition to the
meal, a medical team was on-hand to provide wellness checkups, a barber provided free hair cuts,
and thousands of free clothing items, plus, “Hope Tote” bags filled with hygiene products and other
necessary items were given out at all three campuses. Over 3,500 articles of clothing and shoes
were given to the needy, along with more than 200 people taking advantage of a hot shower, and
over 1,500 people getting a tote filled with supplies and most important over 100 people decided to
get of the streets and enter the program, “this is the main reason we hold these type of event says
Marilyn Brummitt, Development Director.”
.
“I can’t believe how amazing this is. Everybody is so happy to be here, including myself. I
know that without the Broward Outreach Center, I wouldn’t have a real Thanksgiving meal to look
forward to.” said Tom, a Hollywood resident, and a first time diner at the Great Thanksgiving
Banquet.
In addition to the Thanksgiving meal, there was entertainment at each location for both
children and adults that included live music, a fashion show, and a kid’s corner that had a moon
bounce, cotton candy and games, as well as other fun activities. It was a fun place for the kids with
over 130 children getting to play and feel like they were at the fair. Various giveaways and services
were on each campus during the outside event and festivities. Services like shoulder massages
were additional treats that anyone could take advantage of today.
“This experience is something that will stick with me for a lifetime. Even with everything
wrong that has gone on in my life, this celebration is something I am very, very thankful for,” stated
Elizabeth who attended the event in Pompano Beach.
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2. Contact: Marilyn Brummitt
Development Director
Office: (305) 571-2200
Cell: (941) 223-0529
marilynb@Honorary Chair at the Hollywood Campus, Hollywood Commissioner Peter Hernandez,c aa rCinugbpalanc e.org
native, had this to say, “I can relate to many of you because when I was nine years old I was not
only homeless I was country less but I am here to tell you there is hope and you are at the right
place to get that hope and change your life. This is such a wonderful way to give back to the
community. To be out here, helping those in the community who might not have much of a
Thanksgiving that is what makes me smile.”
Shot 1: Hollywood Commissioner Peter Hernandez & Family
Shot 2: Miami crowd waiting to be served a Thanksgiving meal
Shot 3: Miami Rescue Mission President Ron Brummitt with volunteers- Miami
Shot 4: Miami Families and children at the Thanksgiving festivities
Shot 5: Miami man getting a free haircut at the Miami campus
Shot 6: Hollywood Crowd waiting to be served
Shot 7: Hollywood Thanksgiving guest
Shot 8: Very thankful Thanksgiving guest
Shot 9: Group shot of volunteers at the Hollywood campus
Since 1922 the Miami Rescue Mission (a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization) Centers have served the homeless and needy men,
women, and children of Miami. Every day the organization provides food, shelter, clothing, education, job training, spiritual direction
and long-term rehabilitation programs in Miami, Hollywood and Pompano to nearly 1,000 homeless on a daily basis. The mission
also has at-risk after-school and summer day camp youth programs. The Miami Rescue Mission started reaching out to the
homeless in Broward County in 1992 and in 1997 the Broward Outreach Center in Hollywood was opened. Then in 2002 the
Broward Outreach Center in Pompano Beach was opened to serve the homeless in the north end of Broward. For additional
information: www.browardoutreachcenter.com or www.miamirescuemission.com
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