Bridgeport Boys and Girls Club's Thanksgiving dinner a tradition for many families: 'It's beautiful'

As she watched her grandkids eat turkey and sip on hot chocolate Wednesday at the Boys and Girls Club in Bridgeport, Maria Tlapa couldn't help but reminisce about her children when they were younger.

Tlapa, who lives in Bridgeport, said for many years she would bring her three children to the annual Tony Maurello Thanksgiving Dinner at the Bartlett J. McCartin Boys and Girls Club, 3400 S. Emerald Ave.

"It's beautiful seeing the community come together like this," said Tlapa, 66. "It's just a good time. My kids used to love coming here."

Now her daughter, Ana Navarrete, said she's following the tradition her mom started all those years ago by bringing her own kids.

"I remember my mom bringing us as kids, and I wanted my kids to have the same experiences," Navarrete, 32. "The food is good, and they're having fun. They're making friends."

Hundreds of residents and dozens of volunteers gathered inside the club Wednesday afternoon for the 57th annual dinner. The dinner was started by Tony Maurello, who was a longtime supporter of the club.

"Tony noticed there was a need in Bridgeport during the holiday all those years ago," said Dawn Jimenez, club director of the Boys and Girls Club. "Now it's become a tradition that people return to year after year, even if they move away from the neighborhood."

Residents were served turkey with all the fixings, including stuffing, mashed potatoes with gravy and mac and cheese. A hot chocolate bar and desserts rounded out the meal.

Jimenez said the dinner has grown in popularity over the years and estimated 600 people would attend Wednesday's dinner.

"As soon as Halloween is over, we start getting calls from people asking for details because they want to make sure they're able to come," said Jimenez.

The Thanksgiving dinner has also become a tradition for longtime volunteer Alex Schneider and his wife, Kimberly.

"It’s one of our favorite things to do," said Schneider, 42. "My wife and I did it the year before we got married and have volunteered every year since."

Schneider, who lives in the South Loop, said they have volunteered to serve meals for the past eight years and hope to continue doing so.

"My wife and I look forward to this day every year," he said. "It’s a great way to give back to the community and put some smiles on people’s faces. We want to make sure that everyone gets a warm meal because everyone deserves that."

Shrita Love, of Riverdale, said she was leaving a doctor's appointment when she saw a flyer about the dinner and decided to stop by with her 8-year-old son Ira.

"I'm not doing a Thanksgiving dinner or going to a family event tomorrow, so when I heard about it I thought it would be nice to bring my son," said Love, 40. "It’s just nice to be around other people around the holidays. I didn’t expect for this many people to be here. It’s like a party. I’m glad I came."