This was not your typical Thanksgiving feeding in a large warehouse .
This past Thanksgiving, residents at Tender Life Maternity Home and The City Center Transitional Living, as well as some under-resourced families served by The River Community Church, were extremely blessed with a free Thanksgiving meal. This was not your typical Thanksgiving feeding in a large warehouse where everyone knows the people who are in need. No, this was a fine dining experience starting with making your own reservation and ending with your check being comped by the owners of the Aloha Steakhouse, Jim, Jose and Charnell.
Dining at a restaurant with a phone-in reservation and amidst the public provides a sense of dignity to low-income residents or those in transitional living. It allows them to participate in a shared social experience, breaking down barriers and fostering a sense of inclusivity. This contrasts with a special dinner, emphasizing equality and the importance of shared spaces in promoting a sense of community.
Aloha Steakhouse in Ventura has become a true blessing to the community by generously offering over 150 free meals to residents at transitional living facilities and the underserved population the week of Thanksgiving. Their commitment to serving not only delicious food but also fostering a sense of community and support demonstrates the positive impact businesses can have on those in need. This initiative showcases the restaurant’s dedication to making a meaningful difference in the lives of others, embodying the spirit of aloha beyond its culinary offerings.
“Our heart goes out to families in need, and we wanted to bless them with a wonderful meal that they could enjoy together. It fills our heart with joy to see these beautiful children enjoying their food as they dine in our restaurant. We know that these families are working hard to get back on their feet, so we wanted to reward them for their efforts,” says Charnell Smith, one of the owners of Aloha Steakhouse.
“Aloha Steakhouse has been blessing the community for years and I am so grateful for their generosity. The families being served do not currently have the resources to take their children out to a restaurant, let alone a fine quality steakhouse. So, this is truly a gift for each and every one of them “, says Jim Duran, Executive Director of The City Center, Tender Life and Pastor of The River Community Church.
