Utah Jazz Hosts Thanksgiving Celebration for Homeless, 2010

In late November, the Utah Jazz, EnergySolutions Arena and the Deron Williams Point of Hope Foundation collaborated with Salt Lake City Mission and Utah Food Services to feed Salt Lake’s homeless and low-income population.  More than 3,300 dinners were served at We Care – We Share, a Thanksgiving dinner celebration that was held at the arena.  Williams’ Point of Hope Foundation donated 1,500 of the meals provided that day.

Members of the Miller family and Jazz front office staff worked side-by-side with Deron Williams, team coaches and players’ wives to serve hundreds of pounds of food to individuals in need.  Guests dined on traditional Thanksgiving fare such as turkey, mashed potatoes and pumpkin pie while listening to music provided by Salt Lake City Mission.  The mission also provided participants with transportation to the arena and a selection of clothing for those in need.

Serving Thanksgiving dinner to the homeless is a long-standing holiday tradition for the Utah Jazz.  The team will continue its community service efforts in December, when players and coaches visit patients at Primary Children’s Medical Center and Shriners Hospital for Children - Salt Lake City.  The Jazz will also participate in a Toys for Tots drive and a charitable auction, both of which will be presented by American Family Insurance.