Thousands gather at annual Christmas Friendship Dinner at Menard for food, fun, and good company

WASILLA— An estimated 5,000 people cycled through the Menard Sports Center during the annual Christmas Friendship Dinner Wednesday, Dec. 25.

Over 450 volunteers served 150 turkeys, 800 pounds of ham, and 200 pies this year, according to Justin Giles, media coordinator for the Christmas Friendship Dinner Steering Committee. He said that everything was donated and this grassroots, nonprofit effort is “more than a soup kitchen.”

“I think the biggest need being filled here is loneliness,” Giles said.

To many guests, the Friendship Dinner meant more than a free, full-course meal. It was a chance to make meaningful connections with all walks of life across the Mat-Su Valley.

Whether it’s a single parent without any relatives in the state or a widow that recently her spouse, the Friendship Dinner was created for them. It’s a place to be surrounded by people in a festive setting.

There was live, holiday music sung by local artists and there was even an area dedicated to children getting the chance to sit on Santa’s lap.

While numerous homeless people and low-income residents attend this event each year, the vast majority of attendees come from various careers and backgrounds and come for the company more than anything.

Giles has volunteered for the Friendship Dinner for the last eight years. He said that he loves witnessing the “community spirit” and “brotherly love” unfold at the event.

“Where else are you going to see dentists, homeless people, Republicans, Democrats, and even Marines all having fun together?” Giles said. “It’s called the Friendship Dinner for a reason.”

John Linnell busily wiped down trays at the food line. He said this was his first year volunteering at the Friendship Dinner.

“It’s great seeing the community come together to enjoy a meal together and just serve one another,” Linnell said.

Linnell said he was looking for a place to serve during the holidays and found exactly what he was looking for. He said that he’s had a good life and wanted to give back to the community.

“I’ve been very blessed in my life,” Linnell said. “Helping others brings me joy.”

The Friendship Dinner has been around for nearly 30 years and has a life of its own. Numerous volunteers, including whole families, return to help each year. There’s no shortage of guests end up coming back year after year, and it’s clear this annual event has become a Christmas tradition in its own right with volunteers and attendees both marking their calendars.

Giles noted that overall attendance seemed to be bigger this year. Not long after, Linnell affirmed that sentiment as he looked out at the massive crowd.

“This obviously isn’t their first year,” Linnell said.

Allison Brandenburgh and her 15-year-old daughter Kendra Rolenc sat together at a lengthy table, surrounded by people. They recently moved to the Valley from Soldotna.

“I think it’s great what the community is doing,” Brandenburgh said.

Brandenburgh works in the National Guard and she’s a single parent. She said that it’s just her and her daughter out here and all their relatives are out of state. The two of them are both rebuilding their lives and working to make new friends in the area.

Brandenburgh said they were at the Thanksgiving dinner at the Menard last month and having this local resource was really helpful. She said that it didn’t make sense to make the whole holiday meal with the turkey and everything for just the two of them and having the chance to meet their neighbors seemed like a good idea.

“It’s nice being around people,” Brandenburgh said.

Contact Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman reporter Jacob Mann at jacob.mann@frontiersman.com