Jazz and Hill AFB serve Thanksgiving meal to homeless

  • Published
  • By Dana Rimington
  • Hilltop Times Correspondent
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah --  Greg McGavin of Salt Lake City never planned to live in a homeless shelter. He recalled how his friends had to drag him in.

"I was practically kicking and screaming because it's the last place I ever wanted to be, but it's been an absolute blessing for me," McGavin said.

McGavin, along with 3,800 others from local homeless shelters and low-income residents, took part in the Utah Jazz "We Care - We Share" Thanksgiving dinner on Tuesday, which was served by the Miller family and Miller Sports Properties employees alongside Hill Air Force Base personnel, in collaboration with the Salt Lake City Mission, Utah Food Services, and All-Star Catering.

"I take my hat off to the Miller family being this generous because a lot of people wouldn't respect us, but I really think they have a lot of class for what they are doing," McGavin said.

Gail Miller, owner of Larry H. Miller Group of Companies, says the event is the highlight of the year for her family.

"It never gets old because it's heartwarming and touching," Miller said. "Many of them say it's the best meal they've had all year. Our philosophy is that we need to help those we can, wherever we can, and as a community, makes everyone better."

Miller reminisced about the Thanksgiving dinner tradition she and Larry began 16 years ago.

"The holidays are a time for fellowship and cheer, and our family has been blessed to be able to provide a festive gathering and hot meals for the last 16 years to Salt Lake residents who are experiencing hardships," said Miller. "It's not about the money, but in how you use the money. When you can help someone less fortunate than yourself, then it is a good day.

"Partnering with the Miller family and these fine organizations to meet the needs of thousands of the most vulnerable men, women and children in the Greater Salt Lake Region has become a special tradition," said Pastor Wayne Wilson, Executive Director of the Salt Lake City Mission. "Working together as neighbors helping neighbors we set the example before this community. Together we are fighting poverty, and together we can accomplish so much more."

Utah Jazz President Randy Rigby said they see many of the same people each year, and have made friends with many of them. "Even though we know these people are struggling, they touch us with a smile or a handshake," Rigby said. "This gives us the opportunity to give to them and for us to be together as mankind."

Last year's event served a record 4,060 meals. "We open our doors to anyone who feels they need a meal. We keep hoping the numbers reduce, but with the economy right now, we'll just keep doing this as long as there is a need," Rigby said.

For the military helping serve the meal, it's just in their nature said Tech Sgt. Alister Clyne, when asked why he volunteered.

"It all comes back to the type of individuals that join the military because they want to serve and give back," Clyne said. "There are a lot of individuals who are less fortunate, and this is something small we can do to give back. Every little bit helps."