There was a full house at the Northwest Buffalo Community Center on November 24th as the Bills Toyota Rookie Club served their 8th Annual Thanksgiving Dinner to children and families from the local community. Over 300 kids and their families that benefit from the services of the NW Buffalo Community Center came out for all the delicious Thanksgiving fixings and to meet the Bills players.
Among the players serving a full menu of turkey, stuffing, beans, corn, yams, grilled cheese, rolls, deserts and drinks were safety Jairus Byrd, defensive backs Cary Harris and Lydell Sargeant, offensive lineman Nick Hennessey, Andy Levitre, Jamon Meredith and Andre Ramsey, defensive end Aaron Maybin, linebacker Ashley Palmer and long snapper Garrison Sanborn.
The players had the opportunity to take pictures and sign autographs for the kids and their families and also told the audience what they were thankful for.
"I'm thankful for a lot of things, like Ms. Anderson," said Aaron Maybin. "This is a beautiful event. Thank you for having me."
The food was cooked by Ms. Juanita Anderson and everyone was thankful for her tireless efforts to provide such great food to so many people. Anderson and other volunteers worked non-stop throughout the evening to make sure the food was hot and plentiful.
Members of the United Way were also in attendance to support the community center and the Bills with the event.
"To see everyone from the community come together like this is a blessing," said one community member in attendance. "The kids love seeing the players and Billy (Buffalo) and they really seem to care."
The players told the audience they were thankful for their family, their health, God, playing for the Buffalo Bills and to be in the presence of the community members and volunteers that made the special event such a great experience.
Tony Williams, NW Buffalo Community Center program director, was thankful for the Bills support and the players attending the event and also praised his staff.
Williams said, "I am thankful for the seven people that provide all the programs and work for so many kids and their families here. We are lucky to have them."
The Bills players were the lucky ones at this Thanksgiving feast.
The mission of the Northwest Buffalo Community Center is to achieve a standard of excellence that enhances the quality of life through the delivery of diversified and comprehensive human services. They strive to improve and maintain an efficient grass roots community based organization that is recognized for its innovative and progressive programming. For more information regarding the NW Buffalo Community Center, visit www.nwbccinc.org.
