Thirty Years of a Holiday Tradition

By Dave Franzman, Reporter

Volunteer David Bennett holds the pie tray as another volunteer, Rhonda Bales, right, hands Paul Zabel, left, a piece of pie at the traditional free Thanksgiving dinner for senior citizens at AEGON in Cedar Rapids on Thursday, November 26, 2009. Zabel, who has been coming for 28 years, attended the dinner with his wife of 52 years, Virginia Zabel (not pictured). The dinner was hosted by AEGON/Transamerican companies in partnership with Aging Service, Inc. (Crystal LoGiudice/The Gazette).

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By Aaron Hepker

Story Created: Nov 26, 2009 at 5:59 PM CST

Story Updated: Nov 26, 2009 at 7:31 PM CST

CEDAR RAPIDS - Thanksgiving itself is usually a time for families to gather around the table. But what about seniors who don't have family nearby? In 1979, organizers began one of Eastern Iowa's largest free holiday meals. And after 30 years, it's still going strong.

Former Cedar Rapids Dentist Duane Schmidt put the meal together so no senior would be left without a place to go on this holiday.

A short time after that, AEGON USA got involved and over 30 years employees embraced the idea of serving others before serving themselves a holiday meal. Cindy Nodorft with AEGON USA tells TV9, "This has become a tradition for us...we don't want people to be alone on Thanksgiving...and they don't need to be. "

Tradition doesn't mean you never change, after 30 years there are changes ... many more meals now go to those shut in at home instead of the dining room but maybe that's not change but adapting to the times."

Still the tradition of food, fellowship and a good time hasn't changed. That's something recognized both by those who haven't missed a meal in 30 years...and those who came for the first time today.

And after hundreds of pounds of turkey and 1,300 pieces of pie all that's left is cleaning up and making plans for a 31st edition next year.

The dinner sponsored by AEGON and Aging Services also substitutes as the meals on wheels program for this holiday. More than 700 dinners made by volunteers went out to shut-ins.

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