Duke Energy Foundation’s $15K donation kickstarts inaugural event
By SHANA SLOMA
news@readthereporter.com
Westfield Washington School (WWS) is helping bring the community together with a shared meal and fellowship at the inaugural “ROCKSGiving” from 5 to 7 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 20 at Westfield High School, 18250 N. Union St.
This extraordinary celebration of togetherness will allow Westfield residents to enjoy a delicious free Thanksgiving meal of turkey, mashed potatoes and gravy, stuffing, green beans, a roll, and pumpkin pie while providing an opportunity for meaningful connection.
By bringing the whole community together at the same table, WWS, in partnership with the Westfield Education Foundation (WEF), seeks to strengthen the bond between neighbors in a fast-growing city with the hope of connecting those willing to offer support with those in need.
This event is the brainchild of WWS Superintendent Dr. Paul Kaiser.
Kaiser
Before accepting his current position with WWS, Dr. Kaiser served as Beech Grove City Schools Superintendent for more than a decade, where he witnessed the positive effects of community meals centered on reinforcing existing friendships and building new ones. Expanding on the idea of creating an event where neighbors can share a meal and lively conversation that will help to strengthen and unify the community as a whole, Dr. Kaiser decided to enlist the help of WWS staff, supporters, and volunteers in order to make his vision a reality.
Kaiser couldn’t pull this event together himself, so he enlisted the aid of WWS Director of Community Engagement and WEF Executive Director Ashley Knott.
Knott is spearheading the planning and execution of ROCKSGiving. Understanding that a community meal of this magnitude would require significant financial support from donors, Knott reached out to Duke Energy Government and Community Liaison Mark LaBarr for help. Duke’s generous donation of $15,000 was a huge first step in bringing this plan to life.
LaBarr
“We’re excited to be a part of this opportunity to bring the community together for a delicious traditional holiday meal and conversation,” LaBarr said. “We look forward to seeing everyone there.”
Without the tremendous generosity of the Duke Energy Foundation, Dreyer & Reinbold BMW North, Riverview Health, Coca-Cola, and Costco, Knott said this monumental event would not be possible.
“The foundation, in partnership with the district, is proud to play a role in funding the ROCKSGiving event which isn’t possible without our community partners,” Knott told The Reporter.
The donor funding from will ensure that 2,500 people can enjoy a free piping hot holiday meal at which everyone is welcome regardless of financial need.
Knott
“The biggest concept that we want everyone to understand is that this meal is for everyone, and it can’t be a community meal if everyone doesn’t come to the table,” Knott said. “So whether you need a meal fiscally, whether you need connection, or whether you are part of the community, that’s what gathers in one location and creates a community meal.”
Although a hot meal among family, friends and neighbors is at the heart of ROCKSGiving, it is only one element of this special community connection event.
Vendors such as Riverview Health, Good Samaritan, Westfield Washington Township, Duke Energy, and the Wellbeing Coalition of Westfield will have tables in place to discuss their assistance programs.
There will also be other ways to support the community.
The ROCKS Shop will be open to those interested in picking up early holiday gifts or spirit wear. The Coca-Cola Polar Bear will be available for photos with guests. Live music, craft tables and a student-created activity placemat will provide entertainment for all ages. The Westfield Fire Department will also have an engine present for diners to “touch a truck” and engage with the community.
The two-hour meal and event will be held the Monday before Thanksgiving.
“If we can offer opportunities like ROCKSGiving through community partnerships to build engagement to support the mental health of the community then we are doing what the mission asks,” Knott said.
ROCKSGiving will take place from 5 to 7 p.m. on Nov. 20 at Westfield High School. Guests are asked to enter through Door 1 where they will be greeted and guided by volunteers. Parking is available on WWS grounds but may be limited in some areas. A bus will be available to shuttle those needing assistance from the parking lot to the entrance. Westfield Police Department will provide security at the event.