Please Join Transitional Youth in support and participation of the fifth annual Thanksgiving Dinner at the Crystal Ballroom on November 22nd. We are excited to have you join us for this wonderful event, and thankful for your investment in the lives of the homeless and at-risk youth of Portland.
The mission in this event is to create a loving, family atmosphere where youth will feel welcomed and at “home”, from the moment they enter the building, to the moment they leave. Every encounter, touch, smile, hug, and word matters.
Ways to help make this day happen before it comes… Sock drive, collect gift cards, food or financial donations, decorations and set up, volunteer at event, and much more. Help gather and set up area for gifts to be given throughout evening.
- Gift cards (restaurants, coffee shops, Subway, McDonalds, Fred Meyer, Dollar Tree)
- First Aid Kits
- New Sleeping Bags and blankets
- New Heavy Duty Backpacks
- New Socks
- New Coats
- Bikes, Bike Locks, Bike Helmets
You can make on-line donations via Pay Pal at https://www.fbiportlandcaaa.org/ or send a check to Claude Laviano, FBI Portland CAAA, PO Box 80033, Portland, OR 97280 Please make checks payable to FBI Portland CAAA and write Transitional Youth on the memo line.
- If you are giving items, please coordinate with Antonia for drop off at the FBI. We need all the gifts/money in no later than Friday, November 16th.
- For the homeless youth, gift cards for food work well. If you would like to donate gift cards to restaurants or grocery stores, please feel free.
If you want to volunteer your time on the day of the event, please contact Kathy Loter, Social Committee Co-Chair [hidden email]. The list of opportunities is as follows.
Job descriptions and timeline
| Position |
Leader |
Time |
Description |
| Food pick up and set up |
|
4:00-6:30 |
Food will be cooked the day before Thanksgiving at Dalton’s Catering and reheated on Thanksgiving Day. Food will be picked up from Dalton’s Catering at 4:00 and transported to the Crystal Ballroom.
|
| Security |
|
3:00 |
Ensure safety and order before, during, and after event. Carry walky-talky for communication with lead and team. Be prepared for need for emergency response.
|
| Outreach |
|
Noon–2:00 |
Go to the streets looking for youth who need a place to go for Thanksgiving. Invite to the event and regular services. Pray for needs. Minister as God leads.
|
| Mentors |
|
4:00 |
Greet youth at door and throughout space. Sit at tables with them and share a meal together. Be you!
|
| Music |
Jake |
5:00–8:30 |
Fill the air with sweet sounds of HeavenAssist in set up and tear down of equipment. Rotation of teams throughout evening.
|
| Decorations |
Angel |
3:00 |
Bring and set up décor for room; creating a living room feel. Assist in setting up and tearing down. Centerpieces, candles, lights, leaf garland, etc. Be creative!
|
| Check-in |
|
4:00–8:30 |
Greet guests as they enter the upper lobby. Ensure they sign in and are directed to dining room.
|
| Dinner |
|
6:00–8:30 |
Serve main course at buffet table. Assist in keeping supplies stocked. Serve with warmth and a smile.
|
| Dessert |
|
6:00–8:30 |
Serve dessert from dessert counter initially. As dinner progresses, serve youth at their tables, restaurant style.
|
| Beverages |
|
5:30–8:30 |
Assist in set up and serving beverages. Coffee, punch, and water. Keep areas stocked and clean.
|
| Hospitality |
|
5:30–8:30 |
Wait on guests, restaurant style. Serve guests at tables by filling beverages, serving dessert with a smile and warm enthusiasm.
|
| Gifts |
|
|
Help gather and set up area for gifts to be given throughout evening. Gift cards (restaurants, coffee shops, subway, McDonalds, Fred Meyer, Dollar Tree), door prizes, first aid kits, socks, and two BIKES
|
| Art and Game table |
|
5:00–8:30 |
Bring, set up and serve at art and game table for Thanksgiving crafts for guests and their children.
|
| Formals |
|
4:30–8:30 |
Assist in set up and tear down. Help guests find clothing for the evening. Encourage, support, and celebrate the process. Whether silly or serious… allow creativity (modesty is encouraged) and have fun with it!
|
| Tear Down |
|
8:45–9:45 |
We need hard workers to stay after the festivities and help tear down! This will be fast pace, hard work and a blessing!
|
Thanksgiving Day Timeline Overview
- Noon
- Outreach Team meet at the doors of Crystal Ballroom for prayer and then hit the streets to invite guests
- 2:00
- Doors open for set up
- 3:00
- Security arrives and prepares for guests arrival
- 3:15
- Decorating Team arrives and begins set up
- Stage is set with raffle items and gifts
- 4:00
- Food Set up begins
- Serving Table
- Dessert Table
- Beverage Table
- 5:00
- PRAYER! Full team gathers to pray over the youth we serve and for the evening’s events
- 5:10
- Check–in begins with youth receiving formal attire
- 5:30
- Music begins and Doors Open!
- 6:00
- Welcome guests from stage, prayer over meal, and dinner begins
- 7:00
- Open Mic for youth
- 7:20
- Youth share what they are thankful for…
- 8:30
- Evening comes to a close
- 8:45
- Clean up begins