On November 21, 2007, the Utah Jazz and EnergySolutions Arena collaborated with Salt Lake Mission, Utah Food Services and the Deron Williams Point of Hope Foundation to offer Thanksgiving dinner to local underprivileged individuals and families. Over 2,500 dinners were served, as the arena opened its doors to Salt Lake City’s homeless.

Williams worked side-by-side with members of the Jazz front office staff and other Larry H. Miller Sports & Entertainment employees as they served hundreds of pounds of food provided by Utah Food Services. Williams’ Point of Hope Foundation donated the cost of 1,200 dinners served that day.

Participants ate a traditional Thanksgiving meal of turkey, mashed potatoes and pumpkin pie, while listening to music provided by A Changed Heart. Cricket® wireless provided courtesy phones during the event, so individuals could contact family and friends for the holiday. Warm clothing was available free of charge, and 1,500 donated blankets were distributed by students from Escalante Elementary School.

Serving Thanksgiving dinner to those in need has become an annual holiday tradition for the Utah Jazz. The Jazz will continue their holiday community service when team coaches and players visit patients at Shriners Hospital and Primary Children’s Medical Center in December.