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For the fifth year in a row, the Los Angeles LGBT Center bought together our youth and senior clients for an Intergenerational Thanksgiving celebration at the Anita May Rosenstein Campus.
“This is my favorite event that we host each year because it gives us the opportunity to bring our whole community together to share stories, share a table, and share a meal,” said CEO Joe Hollendoner. “I really believe that the heart of the Center’s work is ensuring that none of us ever feel alone. I want you to always know that the center is your center, and we are here for you. So anytime you need support, just reach out.”
In preparation for the event, students of the Center’s cutting-edge Culinary Arts training program lovingly prepared more than 500 hot meals, complete with mashed potatoes, green beans, turkey, and gravy.
The Culinary Arts Program is a 300-hour, intergenerational vocational training program that equips youth and seniors with all the skills they need to thrive both in the kitchen and in the workforce. In addition to the Thanksgiving spread, students regularly prepare up to 500 fresh and nutritious meals a day for the Center’s youth and senior members, many who struggle with homelessness and food insecurity. The program culminates in an externship that gives students direct, real world experience in professional kitchens.
“The holidays can be tough for many of us, whether we’re with relatives or chosen family,” said Zorra Ortega, a Culinary Arts student who spoke at the event. “What matters most is that we as a community come together to find joy and warmth in each other, especially when the outside world can be so cold to us.”
“For me, this is a time to reflect on what I’m thankful for. Years ago, I took the leap to medically transition and come out as transgender, a decision that set me on a roller coaster journey leading to this moment with all of you,” Ortega continued. “For many of us, the Center is our home away from home. It’s where we can feel taken care of—and for those of us who like to take care of others, it’s where we can share our time and energy and love for those who need it. I wouldn’t trade a place like this for anything.”
Real Housewives of Orange County star Heather Dubrow and her husband, Dr. Terry DuBrow, also joined us at the event to volunteer their time preparing to-go meals and serving food to our clients.
“Most of our family is part of this community—siblings, parents, brothers, children, nieces, nephews,” she said. “Being the parents of four very different children with different genders and sexualities, we’re always looking to keep the conversation going and support other families who don’t have the resources that our kids have.”
This year’s feast was also made possible thanks to the support of the Brighenti-DeJulius-Frank-Nascimbeni family, who generously provided the turkeys that were the centerpiece of the meal.
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