Atlanta Hawks Coaches, Staff Make Thanksgiving Come Early

Last night at , the Atlanta Hawks General Manager Rick Sund was manning the turkey station, while the CFO has the important job of “dessert specialist.” With Head Coach Larry Drew dishing up stuffing and others on the staff piling on the casseroles and veggies, the meal for 300 was complete. 

“This is one of my favorite events of the year,” said Atlanta Hawks and Phillips Area President Bob Williams in between serving. “It is so nice to see that smile on the kids’ faces. People are always very grateful, very gracious.” 

The Thanksgiving dinner was hosted by the Hawks and the United Way of Metro Atlanta, who invited the guests through their partner organizations in the area.

The decorated tables started to fill up about 30 minutes into the dinner, which was held between 5:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. in the Meadowcreek High School cafeteria. Jazzy music and autumn-toned centerpieces helped to set the mood—along with the rabble rousing of Hawk’s mascot Skyhawk. 

Demetrius Jordan, Area Director for the United Way, said that the Meadowcreek area is “a place of significant need and tremendous progress.” He said he was excited by the energy of having the Hawks involved, since it is their only partnership of the year. 

Tanya Short heard about the dinner through SPARC, a local support group for single parents. She said it is a great chance for her group to spend time together and be thankful—and also a great opportunity for her kids to come face-to-face with Hawks staff.

Nearby Gloria Marin sat with her family, digging into the dishes that they described as delicious. “I love Thanksgiving! I love the food!” her small dining companion chimed in, as he ate sweet potatoes. 

Across the cafeteria, at Skyhawk’s prompting, a wave even broke out in honor of an early Thanksgiving. And that was before most had even tucked into their pumpkin pie.