Over 25,000 Meals To Be Served at 20th Annual 'Helpings from the Heart' Thanksgiving Feast

ORLANDO, Fla., Nov. 19, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Along with the generous support of local businesses, Golden Corral's Thanksgiving tradition has now become "Florida's Largest Community Thanksgiving Meal" and is expected to serve over 25,000 meals on Thanksgiving Day. 

All are invited to dine in the Salvation Army gymnasium located on 440 W. Colonial Dr., beginning at 11 a.m.  The dinner is a collaborative effort founded by Eric Holm, owner and president of Metro Corral Partners, and made possible with the support of the non-profit community, corporations and local businesses including: Cheney Brothers, Pepsi, MBM, Harvills, Orange County Sheriff's Office, Bubbalous, Puff n Stuff, Universal, and Sprint.  Sprint provides cell phones for people who wish to call home.  Over 1,100 Salvation Army volunteers will arrive throughout the day to assist with serving the meal.

Holm founded Helpings from the Heart 20 years ago to give back to the community and return the favor to The Salvation Army that provided a Thanksgiving meal to the Holm family many years ago when Holm was a child.

"Golden Corral takes pride in feeding the community every day of the year in its restaurants and we see Thanksgiving as a way of giving back to Central Florida by providing for those in need," Holm said.  "This year we know that all kinds of families may need help."

"Last year we served over 24,000 meals, and this year with the economy the way it is we are preparing for over 25,000 meals," said Jason Gronlund, executive chef and kitchen manager of Helpings from the Heart. "We know that it is a lot of food to prepare and have ready but every year we make it happen and every year we get better at doing it."

"On Thanksgiving Day, we see the community at its best," said Major Mark Woodcock of The Salvation Army, Orlando Area Command. "Thanksgiving is a day all about family. The Salvation Army and its army of volunteers become a family to this city by reaching out to those in our community, feeding people thousands of home cooked dinners, and making this a special day in Central Florida."

Eric Holm, of Metro Corral Partners dba Golden Corral is a prominent, local businessman and long-time supporter of The Salvation Army. Mr. Holm owns and operates 30 Golden Corral restaurants and specializes in making pleasurable dining affordable.

The Salvation Army, an international movement, is an evangelical part of the universal Christian church.  Its message is based on the Bible. Its ministry is motivated by the love of God.  Its mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in His name without discrimination.

SOURCE Golden Corral