NFL star’s Thanksgiving Luncheon returns with more meals for those in need

GALVESTON

For years, football has been just about as associated with Thanksgiving Day as the turkey and dressing; in Galveston, those two worlds converged in their own special way.

Through their charitable foundation, Mike Evans — the Galveston native and standout wide receiver for the NFL’s Tampa Bay Buccaneers — and wife Ashli Evans brought food and fellowship to locals in need at his second annual Thanksgiving Luncheon in Galveston on Saturday.

“It’s a blessing to be able to give back to the community who has been so supportive of Mike and I throughout the years,” Ashli Evans said. “Our hope is that everyone is able to enjoy a warm, home-cooked meal for the holidays. We are grateful for all the volunteers who made it all possible.”

From 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Historic Water & Electric Light Community Center, 715 30th Street, the Mike Evans Family Foundation funded free Thanksgiving meals for an estimated 500 residents — an increase from the about 300 meals provided in last year’s inaugural event.

“I’m thankful to be able to do this and for Mike and Ashli to be able to give back to the community,” Mike Evans Family Foundation board member Josephine Edwards said. “They’re huge supporters of giving back — especially giving back to his hometown. That means everything.”

This year’s edition of the luncheon, which was catered by U Can’t Touch This of Texas City with all the traditional Thanksgiving fare, not only moved to a more spacious venue, but those who took part were also greeted with much-improved weather compared to the dreary conditions of last year’s event.

In fact, people started lining up for the luncheon as early as 9:30 a.m. Saturday morning, Edwards said.

“It just shows how much of a need there is for this,” Mike Evans Family Foundation board member Jerald Temple said.

While the Evanses were able to be at the inaugural Thanksgiving Luncheon a year ago in person, with it falling during the Buccaneers’ bye week, Saturday’s event carried on without them in attendance, as the couple traveled to San Francisco ahead of the Bucs’ game 3 p.m. Sunday against the 49ers.

“He’s willing to do whatever to make this happen,” Mike Evans Family Foundation board member Terry Petteway said.

Going forward, the foundation hopes to continue to grow and improve the Thanksgiving Luncheon event for years to come, Edwards said.