On November 20, 2023, the Miller family and the Larry H. Miller organization provided a Thanksgiving meal for individuals in Salt Lake City that are experiencing homelessness and food insecurity. Attendees had the opportunity enjoy a delicious meal and also connect with service providers in the community providing dental cleanings, hygiene kits, mental health services, bicycle repair, and more, all free of charge. It was the 25th consecutive year that the Miller family has provided this giving-back gesture to the community.
“Our goal at the Larry H. Miller Company is to enrich the lives of our community,” Steve Starks, CEO of the Larry H. Miller Company said. “We believe in the power of the Season of Service event to not only serve those experiencing homelessness a warm meal but also provide them with community resources and valuable connections that will guide them toward a brighter future.”
Hundreds of volunteers gathered at the Salt Palace in in downtown Salt Lake City and served 2,000 Thanksgiving meals to guests. Volunteers included leaders and employees across the Larry H. Miller organization, First Lady Abby Cox, Salt Lake County Mayor Jenny Wilson and county employees, and staff from Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall’s office.
“This event has always meant so much to the Miller Family and employees of the Larry H. Miller organization,” Don Stirling, Executive Director of the Larry H. & Gail Miller Family Foundation. said. “Giving back to the community is a value that Larry and Gail passed down through their family and this event is one that will continue for generations.”
Guests at the event were served a traditional Thanksgiving meal, which included turkey, ham potatoes, gravy, stuffing, vegetables, dinner rolls and a dessert.
Community partners and the services they provided are listed below:
- Clean Slate Utah: record expungement resources
- The Period Project: menstrual hygiene kits
- Fourth Street Clinic: healthcare, mental health services and resources
- The Humane Society of Utah: pet sitting and resources
- The Leonardo: children’s activities
- Salt Lake City Public Library: children’s activities
- The Rescue Mission of Salt Lake: community resources
- Salt Lake County Health Department: vaccinations
- Bicycle Collective: bike check and tune-ups (pictured)
- The Salt Lake City Mission: clothing items
- United Way 211: community resources
- The University of Utah’s Driving Out Diabetes Initiative: screenings for diabetes and wellness resources
- UTA: complimentary transit passes
- University of Utah School of Dentistry: dental services (pictured below)
- Volunteers of America, Utah: Community resources and nearly 150 haircuts
- The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints: hygiene kits