MUSKEGON HEIGHTS, Mich. — Corine's Cakes and Catering off Broadway Avenue in Muskegon Heights, welcomed the community for a free Thanksgiving meal.
Owner Corine Rose says food was prepared for more than 600 people, as her restaurant became a well-oiled machine, with volunteers in the kitchen filling trays with food that were then passed to volunteers handing them to drivers picking up their free meal. More volunteers served food in-house, and others were busy delivering food to the elderly, and those homebound.
"I only have a staff of 10. So the rest of them are out from the community, because people heard about it and they called and said they would like to volunteer," said Rose as close to 100 volunteers came out.
Rose says owning her own restaurant allows her to carry on what her grandmother started years ago.
"I used to cater with my grandma growing up, and she did everything for the church and for the community. Everybody would come to her house," said Rose, who added, "she never let anybody starve. Never. Just come get a plate. She fed everybody. So that's what I know to do, and I like to say that now because I got a full blown restaurant, I can do that."
When asked what her Grandmother would say if she could see the event, Rose said "she might cry, but she'd be in the kitchen."
People from across the Muskegon Area came to share a meal and also serve.
"This is what community is about. This is what serving the community is about and being able to look out and to know that so many different people from around Muskegon county is able to eat and to come out and fellowship," said Ronald Jenkins, Mayor Pro Tem of Muskegon Heights.
Jenkins was also joined by Mayor Ken Johnson of Muskegon, as the two worked alongside Rose and the other volunteers.
"It's that collaboration that cultivates community, and that fellowship over food is so important bringing our communities together throughout greater Muskegon," said Johnson, donning a bright yellow vest as he helped direct traffic.
Muskegon Heights Council Member Kellie Kitchen was helping to prepare and serve food, and says what she saw is the character of her city.
"This is a great thing for our city, Muskegon Heights. This is what Muskegon Heights is about. We're about giving, we're about the city of friendly people, and like that's legit," said Kitchen.
Rose's message for the rest of the community during the holidays: "Happy Thanksgiving. You don't have to starve. You got us here. Come and see us."