Thanksgiving Dinner Ministry

Peter Lyons, owner of the Marketplace Grill restaurant in downtown Erie, and Sister Theresa Marie Bohren, SSJ, teamed up to offer dinner at the restaurant on Thanksgiving Day to those who might otherwise not enjoy the tradition. Nearly 140 meals were served that first year, and the ministry became an annual tradition. Home deliveries were later added to accommodate those who are homebound. The event continued to grow, and in 2009, Gannon University became a partner, providing a larger venue for the event while still offering a convenient downtown location. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, dinner has been served only via home deliveries with the help of Gannon University and many volunteers. It is estimated that more than 33,000 meals have been served since the dinner began. The ministry is supported through an annual Thanksgiving appeal. Monies collected in excess of the cost of the dinner are distributed to other ministries and agencies in the area that serve marginalized populations.