Thanksgiving is a time for families and friends to gather around the dinner table, share warm conversation and acknowledge their blessings.
But not everyone is able to celebrate the holiday in the traditional fashion, which is where CJ’s Village Cafe owner, Carl Slomczenski and members of the Flaming Pistons Car Club come in.
To make sure no local residents go without a nutritious holiday meal this year, Slomczenski will offer free Thanksgiving dinners to individuals and families without any place to go on the holiday.
More than 300 people took advantage of the restaurant owner’s generosity last year, and expectations are that similar numbers will turn out from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Thurs., Nov. 23.
Slomczenski said he appreciates the support of his restaurant staff, which donates its services for the event, and the organizations which make donations of money and food.
One such organization is the Flaming Pistons Car Club of Michigan. With a membership of 100 strong, the club boasts numerous members from Lake Orion and Oxford. The Club annually raises money at car shows and other events to support the Thanksgiving dinner at CJ’s.
Recently, Flaming Pistons? members Jack Ochodnicky, Jim Swindell and Phil Brown showed up at the Cafe to present Slomczenski with a $1,000 check to help fund the Thanksgiving dinner.
Brown, AKA the ‘Oldies DJ,? and a regular supporter of the event, said it is through the combined efforts of many people that the dinner has achieved such success.
‘A lot of folks work together to make this work,? said Brown. ‘Without everyone’s participation, something like this just couldn’t come off.?
Ochodnicky credited regular supporter Fred Swan and Kalloway’s restaurant for their contributions to the Thanksgiving dinner.
Slomczenski pointed out that organizations like the Flaming Pistons are instrumental in making his and other community events successful.
‘We really appreciate this donation from the Car Club,? said Slomczenski. ‘We count on it each year.
‘This event is reallly all about the kids, the senior citizens and the families,? he continued. ‘A lot of people can’t afford a big dinner right now. But they still like to get dressed up and share a Thanksgiving meal. This way they can join us and have a great time.?
He said being able to provide the dinner for the community has personal rewards for all involved. That includes him, his wife, Joan, the restaurant staff, those who donate and all the volunteers.
‘The Scouts and little kids get a kick out of serving the senior citizens,? said Slomczenski, ‘and the seniors really enjoy it. For all the people who help out, it makes them feel wonderful.?
Slomsczenski also wants to make sure that any senior citizens, shut-ins or others who are unable to get out this Thanksgiving, are still able to enjoy a traditional meal. To accommodate those individuals, home delivery is available by calling (248) 693-8704.
For supporters of the event, the generosity doesn’t end after the dinner is over. Brown said the Flaming Pistons are already gearing up for next year’s Thanksgiving dinner at the restaurant.
‘We’ve got about $480 in the bank right now,? said Brown. ‘And if there is any money left over, it will be distributed to other good causes.?
CJ’s Village Cafe is located at 21 W. Flint St. in downtown Lake Orion.