Brighton to host Thanksgiving dinner

BRIGHTON — A husband and wife have arranged a free dinner at Brighton City Hall on Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Eve.

Event organizer Connie Blosser-Emry said she wanted to make a holiday meal available for anyone in the surrounding community in need of it.

“It’s for … people that, in any way, otherwise wouldn’t have a meal or someone to spend it with,” she said. “It seems like Brighton is kind of struggling at doing their long-term traditions, and Christmas is a big tradition, also Thanksgiving, where people come together.”

Blosser-Emry said she was motivated by her faith.

“As a Christian, that’s what we’re supposed to do,” she said. “We’re supposed to feed the hungry, take care of the widows, take care of the poor. We’re supposed to reach those kinds of people.”

Additionally she said she had empathy for those who would otherwise spend the holiday alone.

“We went through that time where you’ve been single, you’ve had a hard time, you lost it all,” she said. “You spent that first holiday by yourself … or lost a person over a holiday. There’s emotions, there’s thoughts, I can relate with all of that.”

Blosser-Emry as helped with similar events at a church in Washington where she previously worked, but said this was her first time hosting anything in Brighton. She said she was excited to bring it to her own hometown.

The event is funded entirely by donations.

“We have so many sponsors that have joined into these two events that have made it possible,” Blosser-Emry said. “It’s been so blessed, and people have poured into that to help this community … it’s amazing to see that happen.”

Blosser-Emry said she hoped to draw around 100 guests to the dinner on Thanksgiving. Those interested are asked to call ahead and make a reservation by contacting her at 319-591-8119, or emailing tgivingdinner@yahoo.com.

Doors open at 10:45 a.m. on Thanksgiving Day, and the meal goes until 1 p.m. Dine-in or takeout will be available for both Thanksgiving and Christmas Eve.

Comments: Kalen.McCain@southeastiowaunion.com