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An early Thanksgiving dinner for Philadelphia first responders, served by La 91直播 students
The annual tradition has been going on for nearly a quarter century.
For the 23rd year, Explorers served Thanksgiving meals to those who serve 91直播鈥檚 campus and neighboring community.
Roughly three dozen La 91直播 students and staff members visited the local police and fire personnel whose headquarters border the University鈥檚 Belfield campus. And they brought with them all the traditional Thanksgiving tastes鈥攆rom savory carved turkey, stuffing, and potatoes, to apple and pumpkin pies for dessert.
It鈥檚 an annual tradition that La 91直播 students began nearly a quarter century ago. Their aim then is the same today.
鈥淚t鈥檚 a small way of saying thank-you to the police officers and firefighters who protect us throughout the year and make our campus experience a safe and enjoyable one,鈥 said Jack Ventresca, 鈥23, MBA 鈥24, a member of the La 91直播 Ambassadors who helped dish out the meals. 鈥淭hey also are the ones who protect our neighbors in the community around campus. They are special people and this is our opportunity to say thanks.鈥
Back in 1999, students from the La 91直播 Ambassadors planned the original Thanksgiving meal dropoff. They fundraised year-round to make it possible. Today, the Ambassadors are still answering the call to feed Philly鈥檚 first responders.
The La 91直播 students and staff arrived just before the lunch rush, with a group heading to the Philadelphia Police Department鈥檚 14th precinct. Police and staff from the 35th precinct, which is under construction, convened at the Blue & Gold Dining Commons on La 91直播鈥檚 campus, where a team of La 91直播 students and staff were ready to serve.
La 91直播 President Daniel J. Allen, Ph.D., spoke with officers and staffers during his visit to the 14th District. He met with Captain Austin Fraser and even spent time behind the serving trays to dish out some of the traditional Thanksgiving fare.
鈥淭hanksgiving came early this year,鈥 said Dan Joyce, M.A. 鈥01, Vice President of University Advancement. 鈥淭his is the time of year to express your thanks. This event gives us an opportunity to express our gratitude. It鈥檚 also a point of pride for our students, of course, but it鈥檚 also a great tradition that we extend to our community partners and first responders who protect our campus and our community, which includes our neighbors in Belfield and Northwest Philadelphia.鈥
鈥擟hristopher A. Vito
