About Feast of Giving

Thursday, November 26th, 2026 | 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM | Dayton Convention Center
Display in Dayton Convention Center promoting Feast of Giving
Feast of Giving volunteer handing food to diner
Group of volunteers posing for a selfie
Santa's elf sharing activity pages with child

A Tradition of Generosity and Community Spirit Continued

The Feast of Giving opened its third chapter in 2025, returning after a five-year, pandemic induced break. By the numbers:
  • Thousands of meals served to families, individuals, and seniors
  • 400 volunteers contributed, with over 1,000 offering to help
  • 2,000 free blankets as well as coats, hats, and gloves distributed
  • 5,000 lbs. of turkey from Cooper Farms
  • 6,000 Killer Brownies from the Killer Brownie® Company

Our Heritage

Timeline
Rooted in tradition, we honor those who have given before us:
  • 1969
    Arthur Beerman of Elder-Beerman Stores founds a free Thanksgiving event as “thank you” to the community for their support. Continued under the family foundations stewardship after his passing, it grows into one of the nation’s largest free Thanksgiving meals, embodying the Dayton’s values of community, compassion, and inclusion.
  • 2009
    Dermatologists of Southwest Ohio, led by Steve Levitt, Tom Olsen and John Macke, came together with Stratacache and ABC22/FOX45, and shortly thereafter, LaStar Corporation and Mike Shane, to carry forward the tradition. Rebranded the Feast of Giving, the event becomes a true community event, serving an estimated 8,000 meals annually.
  • 2020
    The event was paused due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Steering Committee continues the spirit of giving through partnerships with Miami Valley Meals (MVM) and Simple Street Ministries.
  • 2024
    Shane Connor and Jason Woodard are named Co-Chairs and a a small working group begins planning the return of the live event in the newly renovated Dayton Convention Center for Thanksgiving 2025.
  • 2025
     The Feast of Giving returns on Thanksgiving Day!
Today's Event
Join us for a day of food, music, and community fun.
Support
"So excited that 'The Feast of Giving' is back in Dayton. What a Blessing. Would love to volunteer again. Thank you"
Maggie
"Let's just keep it going every year.. It Is such a blessing to people."
Melissa
"Such a great way to give back to our community, thank you for all your time, efforts and donations to bring it back."
Teri
"It made my heart happy to help and to see the smiles on so many faces. I am so grateful to be able to be a part of something wonderful."

D’Andrea

"Well done. Great band!!!!!"
Gerald
"We having volunteered in the past and we absolutely loved it…wonderful to learn this celebration is returning."
Denise & Doug
"This is an important event for our community."
Bob
"I'm so happy to hear this is back."
Betty
"It does my heart good to see so many enjoying themselves."
Nancy
"An Excellent Event that's much needed! … Thank you for this opportunity to serve my community. Keep up the good work."
Lisa
"So looking forward to this coming back to the Convention Center."
Richard
"What a beautiful cause this is for the city of Dayton, I feel very proud to live in this community."
Alba
"I have volunteered for years. Can’t wait."
Karen
"It’s not just about feeding people – it is an experience."
Michelle
"I will volunteer every year as long as I'm in town! It was extremely rewarding for me!"
Douglas
"People think of it feeding the homeless or less fortunate, but the Feast of Giving is for everyone. Anyone that wants fellowship. It’s for everybody."
Kendall
"The three things I think of when I think of the Feast of Giving are Community, Thankful, Giving Back."
Regina (12 year volunteer)
"I have been sharing our experience on the event with as many as I can, hoping this continues."
Andy
"It just feels so good."
Steve (longtime supporter)