CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) — The tenth annual Gratefull event kicked off at 11:30, Thursday on East Martin Luther King Boulevard.
People from all walks of life gathered together to celebrate the Chattanooga Community
It’s an opportunity to commune with your neighbors and have conversations you otherwise might not have ever had.
The event was 100 percent free, no strings attached. The only ask was that people who are able consider donating a non-perishable item to the Maclellan Shelter for Families.
It’s a tradition that organizers say they want to keep going for decades to come
Emily Mack, CEO of River City Company told us, “This truly has become one of Chattanooga’s most beloved events because it’s just an opportunity for everyone to gather and share a meal. I remember last year that a volunteer shared with me that this event brought her so much joy that her cheeks hurt from smiling so much. So today is just a really wonderful day, it’s a joyful day, and it’s an opportunity to come together and celebrate.”
The community came together in more ways than just sharing a meal. Some decided to help in other ways too.
Blake Pierce, Founder of White Oak Bicycles was there with a crew and mobile bike repair station. He told us, “Last year we came to this event for the first time and we saw a lot of folks come in on their bikes. So we showed up this year and we want to make sure as everyone eats that they can bring their bike right over here, we’ll repair it for them and as they get finished they can come back over here and it’ll be ready to go.”
The unity of Chattanooga was on full display, showing that sharing a meal brings everyone together.
