At a time when the focus of many families is towards a huge turkey dinner at a gathering with all their family and closest friends, some families are barely able to scrape together a full meal, let alone a Thanksgiving dinner.

On Sunday, November 11 from 3-5:30 p.m., a Petaluma family is doing their part to help those in need by hosting their 9th annual Turkey Party.

The cost of admission is one frozen turkey.

Last year's event brought in 216 turkeys. This year they hope to be able to collect even more for local needy families.

For the past 8 years, Denise Redeker and her family and friends have answered the call to help those in need by hosting their annual Turkey Party – an open house fundraiser for the Redwood Gospel Mission. The donated turkeys are used for RGM’s Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners, as well as distributed throughout the community.

The party is also co-sponsored by some very generous business, vendors and restaurants who have donated their wares or services towards the raffle and food for the benefit, as well as being on hand for event shopping.

This year’s food includes Jimmy’s Catering (who was my own wedding’s caterer!), Wild Goat Bistro, Beyond the Glory, Dempsey’s, Lucky’s, Raley’s, Sonoma Mountain Pizza, Water Street Bistro, Chileno’s, and Velasco’s.

Vendors will include The Veggie Bed Company and Premier Jewelry Designs.

And raffle prizes have been donated by Gina Petersen Photography, Hook and Ladder Winery, Hobby Town Petaluma, Premier Jewelry Designs, and Serendipity Chiropractic (for a 90 min massage!).

This list is constantly being updated as more businesses jump on board, so be sure to check out the website at turkeyparty.blogspot.com for new additions, as well as more information on raffle prizes and more. Email Denise for directions to the party at deniseredeker@msn.com.