Volunteers serve a traditional Thanksgiving meal to residents prepared by Cathal Armstrong, chef and owner of Kaliwa. Photo: Roxie B. Photography
When popular headliners grace The Anthem, 6,000 screaming fans can be seen standing shoulder-to-shoulder. This Thanksgiving, however, The Anthem transformed into an intimate family-like atmosphere to provide a sense of normalcy during this holiday season for over 300 Arthur Capper residents, and their families, who lost so much in our community.
Arthur Capper residents were suddenly displaced in September, when a four-alarm fire tore through the 162-unit community that was devoted strictly to seniors. The fire was so large that it was seen across the region, and its cause is still under investigation. While some residents have moved in to their new homes, many Arthur Capper residents still remain in temporary housing around the city. To ensure that all residents were able to attend this special afternoon, Arthur Capper residents and their guests were transported to and from the event, including in the Southwest Shuttle. For many, this meal served as not only a place to gather with the community that is now so scattered, but it also provided the opportunity to have a traditional Thanksgiving meal, something they may not have otherwise experienced in the temporary housing, particularly those who are temporarily residing in hotels.
Residents and their guests were hosted by Edgewood Management, the management company for the Arthur Capper Senior Building, and the building’s owners, Urban Atlantic and Forest City, in addition to the Community Services Foundation, Hoffman-Madison Waterfront, PN Hoffman, and The Anthem.
Kaliwa’s chef and owner Cathal Armstrong prepared the hundreds of Thanksgiving dinners and the Southwest and Southeast community and residents served as volunteers for the event, including Monty Hoffman, founder of PN Hoffman and developer of The Wharf, and his family. In a pre-event press release, Hoffman said, “This holiday season is about giving thanks, giving back and coming together. We have been so fortunate to be a part of this community and are proud to be able to support the Arthur Capper residents and their families with a Thanksgiving Day celebration.”
Since the tragic fire, the community has come together and rallied around the residents of Arthur Capper. This support will continue to be needed for many of the seniors throughout and after the holiday season. Those who are looking to help should refer to the Capitol Hill Community Foundation webpage, https://www.capitolhillcommunityfoundation.com, for the latest needs of the community.
By Southwester Staff