Gratefull

Gratefull is a free community Thanksgiving meal, now in its 11th year, served along one long table in the middle of Martin Luther King Boulevard at the Bessie Smith Cultural Center. The organizers describe it as an open invitation: no fee, no expectations and no agenda, and everyone is welcome.

The organizers say guests who wish to give can bring supplies for the Maclellan Shelter for Families, with bins provided for items such as nonperishable food, coffee supplies, disposable plates and silverware, hygiene supplies including toothpaste and diapers, and laundry supplies. Hundreds of volunteers help run the event, and volunteer registration opens in October 2026.

The official event page lists the hosts as River City Company, the Bessie Smith Cultural Center, United Way of Greater Chattanooga, the City of Chattanooga and Causeway. See the official event page or gratefullcha.org.