RACINE -- A feast for the masses brought people from all walks of life together on Thanksgiving in Racine.
For the past 9 years, Festival Hall has been the place in Racine where everyone knows they can come to get a free meal. Each year it keeps growing.
For some in the long line and packed ballroom, the free food is a blessing.
"I didn't eat no breakfast, I'm hungry this morning," said Bob Fadroski. "I couldn't make it for that type of money so I'm very pleased."
For Bette Lash, it's an easy meal thanks to 300 volunteers.
"Number one, I don't have to shop, I don't have to cook and they come right to the table," she said.
"Each table has their own personal wait staff of two people that waits on them hand and foot," said Dan Johnson.
When Johnson came up with the idea to host a free Thanksgiving meal, he thought more than a hundred turkeys, sides and deserts would just attract those who've fallen on hard times.
"After we did it we realized the people that showed up wasn't just the needy people, it was people in need of company," he said.
People like John Koeppen.
"My wife and I don't have any children and we didn't get invited to any Thanksgiving celebrations," he said.
Koeppen said a meal with strangers has him leaving with a new perspective.
"My big takeaway is people all sizes, shapes and colors can actually come and have a wonderful time together," he said.
All of the leftovers are taken to homeless shelters in the community.
