Dayton’s Feast of Giving Returns in 2025 with Strong Attendance and Community Spirit

Cries of O-H-I-O rang through the Dayton Convention Center main hall as volunteers made final preparations for last week’s Feast of Giving. The free community event welcomed thousands of attendees on Thanksgiving Day for a day of fellowship, warmth, and celebration.

A Triumphant Return

The Feast of Giving, a cherished Dayton tradition since 1969, was paused in 2020 due to the pandemic and subsequent convention center renovations. This year’s event marked a powerful comeback, with lines wrapping around the building before doors opened at 11 a.m. Attendees enjoyed a traditional Thanksgiving meal of turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, green beans, and pie, alongside live music, children’s activities, and visits from Santa Claus and Disney princesses.

Live entertainment provided by Crescendo Bacchus and Fairy Godmother Events

Community Impact

• Thousands of meals served to families, individuals, and seniors across the Miami Valley

• Nearly 400 volunteers contributed, with over 1,000 offering to help

• Over 2,000 free blankets as well as coats, hats, gloves, and infant formula distributed

• Leftover meals donated to Miami Valley Meals, ensuring minimal food waste

Organizers emphasized that the Feast of Giving is not only for those experiencing food insecurity but also for anyone seeking companionship on Thanksgiving. “There’s just no reason to be hungry or lonely on Thanksgiving in Dayton. This is one day we can all come together,” said Feast of Giving Director Steve Paris.

Leadership and Sponsorship

Jason Woodard and Shane Connor co-chaired this year’s event, continuing the legacy of past leaders Dr. Steve Levitt and Dr. Tom Olsen. Dozens of local businesses, community partners, and individuals reaffirmed Dayton’s tradition of generosity and resilience with their support including:

• 5,000 lbs. of turkey from Cooper Farms.

• 6,000 Killer Brownies from the Killer Brownie® Company.

• CareSource stepping up as a lead sponsor.

• Live entertainment provided by Crescendo Bacchus and Fairy Godmother Events.

Organizers expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support. “We finally got the stars aligned and were able to bring the event back,” said Woodard. “The turnout shows how much this tradition means to Dayton.”

---

About the Feast of Giving

Founded in 1969 by Arthur Beerman of Elder-Beerman Stores, the Feast of Giving began as a “thank you” to the community. Over the decades, it has grown into one of the nation’s largest free Thanksgiving meals, embodying the values of community, compassion, and inclusion.