It was a happy, hearty Thanksgiving in Carson City for hundreds of Carson Nugget guests who arrived for the 58th annual free community dinner. Volunteers by the dozens served everyone who walked in the door — from young families to senior citizens and all ages in between.
Many who enjoyed the festivities said they came to the Nugget because they wanted to meet their neighbors and friends and be a part of something much larger than a standard stay-at-home Thanksgiving. Others said they came because they didn't want to be alone. All walked away extremely thankful for what the Nugget provides: a savory and nutritious Thanksgiving dinner with turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, green bean casserole and pumpkin pie.
The dinner began at 11 a.m. with some having stood in line since 7. By 12:45 Thursday afternoon more than 600 had walked through the door. They were greeted by smooth jazz guitar and strings music from the Hot Club Band featuring Kurt Mitchell, Jacki Montgomery and Sue Jesch.
For 80-year-old Martha Dietrich of Carson City, the Thanksgiving occasion for her meant being in one place with friends from her various senior circles. "I always remember Thanksgiving being with lots of people. I live alone so I'm grateful today to be among friends, for all of us to be in one place," she said. "Good gosh I have so much to be thankful for today."
Nancy and Leroy Liput of Gardnerville said they chose the Nugget for Thanksgiving because they knew the customers and volunteers would be warm and friendly, something that is important for the holiday.
"There are so many lovely people here serving us," she said. "We are thankful for this wonderful dinner, our friends and family and we're especially thankful for our son who just got a new job."
Among the volunteer servers were Natalie Gautereaux of Gardnerville who brought her daughters Grace, 14, and Kayla, 12. The family team took turns passing out pumpkin pies, ladling gravy and dishing cranberry sauce to hungry guests.
"We have so much to be thankful for, so much to be grateful for and so the way we are paying it back is to give back and that's why we're here," said Natalie. "Our communities are that much stronger when each of us give what we can."
Nugget Customer Service Manager Diana Lebaron said the volunteer turnout was extraordinary.
"We've had people walk up and and say, 'Thank you for what you're doing. 'I'm here to help. Put me to work,'" said Lebaron. "In my 20 years at the Nugget I've never seen this many volunteers in the community step forward to give us a hand."
Phil Rodriguez came to the dinner from South Lake Tahoe after learning about it on the television news. He said he wanted to provide his daughter a traditional Thanksgiving meal. Rodriguez, a disabled military veteran, said the volunteers and staff of the Carson Nugget "are the real heroes for the day."
Bud and Kay Mosley traveled from their Silver Springs home for the Thanksgiving dinner because they wanted to be around many different people from many different walks of life. Kay is pastor of Silver Springs Christian Center and Bud is the co-pastor. Asked what they are most thankful for, Kay looked at Bud and said: "Each other." Bud said, "well, each other, yes, probably because of my cooking. But I would also say too that we are thankful for Jesus Christ."
The dinner not only brought Nugget employees together to help serve but former employees as well. Tonya Laney, who was the Nugget's former Human Resources director before taking a state job, said she and her daughter Shania volunteer because the dinner and Relay for Life are among the many worthwhile community efforts the casino gets behind.
"With the economy the way it is, there's one thing for certain and that is no matter how bad it gets and however many people are out of work, the Nugget will always be there for the community," she said. "The Nugget is like a family to me and I appreciate all that they do."