CATHOLIC CHARITIES NEWS RELEASE – Every year since 1961 when the St. Vincent’s Dining Room opened its doors, John Ascuaga’s Nugget has provided free Thanksgiving and Christmas meals to the clients of the St. Vincent’s Dining Room, operated by Catholic Charities. This Thanksgiving Day, starting at 11:30 a.m., the Ascuagas will provide an estimated 1,300 holiday meals to local people in need.
This marks the final year the Ascuaga family will host the meal. The family sold the casino-resort operation in October, but says the new owners of the Nugget also intend to continue the annual holiday meals. “We are so thrilled that the Ascuagas have chosen to continue this tradition, despite the change in leadership taking place at the casino,” says Peter Vogel, Executive Director at Catholic Charities & the St. Vincent’s Programs. “These meals are always so special to our clients who might otherwise go hungry on this holiday.”
For those who attend, there are no questions asked and no requirements in order to receive a free Thanksgiving meal. The St. Vincent’s Dining Room serves all people, regardless of race, religion or background, in hopes that by providing the most basic needs, such as food, will help people begin the journey toward permanent relief from poverty.
The St. Vincent’s Dining Room has welcomed the hungry with open arms for decades. The Dining Room serves an average of about 550 free meals per day, six days a week, year-round.
About Catholic Charities: Established in 1941, Catholic Charities of Northern Nevada (CCNN) is a Nevada-based, 501(c) (3) tax-exempt, non-profit corporation operating nine human service programs including: St. Vincent’s Dining Room, St. Vincent’s Food Pantry, St. Vincent’s Emergency Assistance Program, St. Vincent’s Residence, St. Vincent’s Thrift Shop, Holy Child Early Learning Center, Immigration Assistance Program, Adoption Program, and the Kids to Seniors Korner Program. CCNN is committed to providing help and creating hope in our community. From infants to seniors, CCNN assists approximately 40,000 people per month in the northern Nevada community.
