Working to to bring Thanksgiving meals to families in need, Santa Barbara Dojo will host the 14th Annual Basket Brigade, 11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 23 at 122 E. Gutierrez St.

This year’s event aims to surpass previous years by distributing some 250 Thanksgiving meal baskets to families across the Santa Barbara area.
 
The concept of the Basket Brigade began in 1993 in Gig Harbor, Washington, when a group of residents joined to provide Thanksgiving meals for a few families in need. It has grown into a national movement, providing thousands of families with meals each year.

Santa Barbara Dojo introduced the Basket Brigade to the local community in 2010, inspired by the desire to uplift families during tough economic times.

Since its inception, Santa Barbara Dojo has distributed more than 12,000 Thanksgiving meals to local residents, a mission that continues to grow.

“This year, we are driven to make an even larger impact,” said Wilfred Austin Curtis, owner and head instructor at Santa Barbara Dojo. “Our school has just over 250 members and their families, and our goal is to reach 250 families that can use a complete Thanksgiving meal.

“Our dojo community is a compassionate community, reflecting the values of the martial arts taught at our school,” he said. “We are a powerful force for good, and together, we expect to provide over 250 families with the comfort of a Thanksgiving meal.

“It’s a small way to show our gratitude for this community and help alleviate some of the burdens many face.”
 
Each Thanksgiving basket contains everything necessary for a traditional meal, serving families of up to five, and allowing them to enjoy the holiday with one less worry.

Volunteers from the dojo and the broader Santa Barbara assemble and deliver the baskets.

In efforts to expand its capacity, this year Santa Barbara Dojo accepted sponsorships. The Basket Brigade is sponsored by 11 local companies.

Significant sponsorships come from three local businesses and a family: The Almeroth Family, Pathway Dental Group, Trusted Legal, and Young Construction.

“As a company that has benefited from the Santa Barbara Community, it is very important that we be part of the solutions that make this a great place to live,” said Jeremy Beauchemin of Young Construction Company, which has been doing business in Santa Barbara since 1978.

“We realize that there are still many families, families with children whose parents may have two jobs, that have a difficult time being able to enjoy this one special holiday,” Beauchemin said. “We appreciate Santa Barbara Dojo taking this initiative, and we are more than excited to be part of the Basket Brigade.”

“We host this event every year because it embodies our mission to strengthen families and foster community connection,” said Melodee Meyer, co-owner of Santa Barbara Dojo and the originator of the Basket Brigade tradition at the dojo.

“Thanksgiving is a time for joy and gratitude, and we’re honored to be able to share that with those who need it most,” she said. “We are especially thankful for the support of Young Construction, Pathway Dental Group, The Almeroth Family, and Trusted Legal.

“We invite everyone to join us in making a difference on Nov. 23. We also would like to remind everyone that it is never too late to make a donation to this great cause.”
 
With a $75 contribution, anyone can sponsor a Thanksgiving meal for a family of five. To learn more or make a donation, visit https://kbx.es/donate2024.

Santa Barbara Dojo, founded in 2002, is a family-oriented martial arts academy dedicated to building resilience, family values, and character through self-defense training. For more, visit SantaBarbaraDojo.com or call 805-963-6233.