Homeless residents enjoy a big Thanksgiving event

The Sarasota Ministerial Association held its 11th annual celebration with Sarasota’s homeless residents as its guests the day before Thanksgiving, at First Baptist Church in downtown Sarasota.

The program included a play by Kathryn Chesley titled, “Thanksgiving with Lucy Ricardo and Friends.” The cast featured government representatives, faith leaders and community members. Among them were Sarasota County Commissioners Joe Barbetta, John Thaxton and Carolyn Mason, Sarasota School Board Chairwoman Caroline Zucker and Sarasota City Commissioner Paul Caragiulo. Thaxton reprised his role as Abraham Lincoln.

With 27 members of the Sarasota High School girls basketball team volunteering their assistance, the luncheon served approximately 370 people and raised more than $4,800 for Salvation Army Thanksgiving meals for the homeless. The remainder of the funds will benefit The Goodwill Faith Care Connection, for families at risk of becoming homeless.