Side dishes sought for AP community dinner

Local organizer Arnold Wilson has collected 250 turkeys for Thanksgiving baskets but is short on the side dishes.

Wilson's non-profit organization Beachfront Community Outreach Inc. needs donations of side dishes, drinks and non-perishable items to fill 250 baskets.

The baskets will go to needy families that will be handed out at his organization's annual Thanksgiving Homeless Awareness Benefit on Tuesday, Nov. 24, at the RCMA Hopewell Campus.

The event, which starts at noon, will have a live sound stage with TV cameras. Live performances by 24 artists, a live gospel concert and an alternate DJ will be performing throughout the day.

"My father and I thought of the benefit as a venue where a family in need can come in and get food - a one stop-shop," Wilson said.

Wilson is also asking for donations to rent a bounce house for the kids.

Although the benefit is for all, Wilson said the focus is on giving and helping needy families.

"The face of homelessness is changing everyday and my heart goes out to them and I want people to be aware of how big the problem is in our community," he said.

In honor of the classic rivalry between Florida A & M University and Bethune-Cookman University, Wilson and his father will be serving their famous hamburgers and hotdogs for college fans.

"Keeping in the traditions of the Florida football classics that have been going on for 75 years, we're serving the hamburgers and hotdogs that we eat at the tailgate party in Orlando," Wilson said.

Retail booths are $25, social services and information booths are free but the last day to sign up is Monday at noon.

"It's first come first serve," Wilson said.

What: 2nd Annual Thanksgiving Benefit

Where: RCMA Hopewell Academy Campus, 100 E. Ernest E. Sims St.

When: Noon to 5 p.m.

More information contact Wilson at (863) 446-3018.