“Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth. Worship the Lord with gladness; come before Him with joyful songs. Know that the Lord is God. It is He who made us and we are His.” Psalm 100:1-3
Members of the Friendship administrative team, along with 20+ volunteers, were blessed to serve more than 115 friends from area group homes last week during our annual Thanksgiving Feast. The event, which was again hosted by Railside Golf Club in Byron Center, Michigan, took place on Thanksgiving Day.
“This is our sixth year serving area group homes in this capacity,” noted Tom VanWingerden. “It is a wonderful way to share God’s love with people with disability and to celebrate our commonality of thankfulness with all of God’s people. It’s also a favorite event, for both our guests and our volunteers.”
Some individuals who have intellectual disability – including many of those involved in Friendship programs – do not have family or friends to share a Thanksgiving meal with. This event was created to provide individuals and their caregivers with a fantastic Thanksgiving meal in a welcoming space – and at no cost. Railside Golf Club and Gordon Food Service, along with other partners, pick up the tab.
“Many members of my extended family have been involved in Friendship Ministries since its inception,” shared Jim Bultema, general manager of Railside Golf Club. “This ministry has played a significant role in our lives, and we are thrilled to partner with them in this capacity.”
Volunteers and guests are an integral part of each Thanksgiving Feast. Some families, like the Halls, have been volunteering with the event for over 4 years!
“It began when Paul Buursma asked us to help out with him,” remembers volunteer Deb Hall. “We love seeing the guests so happy and so appreciate Railside for their generosity. And we will continue to help each year in honor and memory of our nephew and cousin Paul Buursma.”
Would you like to reserve your spot for Thanksgiving at Railside in 2018? Contact karen@bultemagroup.com for more information.
