‘Giving Thanks’ event delivers holiday feast to Oahu shelters

IWILEI (HawaiiNewsNow) – Thanksgiving came early for thousands in need on Oahu Thursday.

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As part of Ruby Tuesday Hawaii’s 12th annual Giving Thanks event, its Moanalua and Kaneohe restaurants prepared enough food for over 2,000 meals, including about 800 pounds of turkey and all the holiday fixings.

“It’s a full turkey meal. Turkey, stuffing, gravy, mashed potatoes, corn, cranberry,” said Ruby Tuesday Hawaii owner and CEO Rick Nakashima.

The meals are delivered to various shelters across Oahu, including the Institute for Human Services, River of Life, Surfing the Nations, and RYSE.

The timing is intentional. “Giving Thanks” takes place in late May — about six months after Thanksgiving — when organizers said the need for support remains high.

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“They’re just really appreciative that they get a special meal in May,” Nakashima said.

The event was sponsored by Marcus Mariota’s Motiv8 Foundation for the ninth consecutive year. In addition to funding, Mariota’s parents, Alana and Toa, worked behind the counter in the IHS kitchen, plating meals and serving those in need.

“To be able to partner with people like them and be their friends and have them financially help us — because right now I couldn’t do this on my own — it’s just the best feeling in the world,” Nakashima said.

The company also donated 1,000 pounds of dog and cat food to the Hawaii Humane Society and Oahu SPCA on Wednesday.

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