Tampa’s Donatello will host Thanksgiving for more than 1,000 families

Here’s a feel good story to enjoy this holiday in Tampa. Since 1987, when Donatello owner and founder Guido Tiozzo decided to thank the community for the warm welcome his restaurant had received, he began the tradition of hosting an annual Thanksgiving benefitting the children of Tampa, and the number of people enjoying the traditional dinner had grown exponentially reaching the thousands, according to a press release from the restaurant.

This year, his son Gino Tiozzo, and wife Alessandra Tiozzo, will continue to honor the tradition at “Thanksgiving at Donatello”, which began more than 30 years ago.

“Thanksgiving at Donatello” will be on Thanksgiving Day (Nov 23). The restaurant will serve families and children in the restaurant with a Turkey dinner with all the trimmings and pasta (of course).

Volunteers needed to keep up this annual tradition in Tampa

This event is in need of volunteers. If you can make it out, the restaurant just asks that you try to arrive by 10:30am. The restaurant is located at 232 N Dale Mabry Highway.

Gifts are as important as food to the children who will be in attendance.  Gifts will be inside surprise boxes especially chosen and sorted for them, according to their wishes. Food and gifts will be from 11am-2:30pm.  Donatello extended a big thank you to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Tampa Bay Lightning, and Tampa Bay Rays for their support. 

“We look forward to welcoming the families and children at our restaurant, being served by tuxedoed waiters, listening to the Christmas Carols of Kitty Daniels and Majid Shabazz, taking pictures with local personalities, and marveling at the character actors,” writes the restaurant ownership team. “We love the sparkling eyes of the children opening all the gifts.” 

Donatello continues to feed thousands of families across the city

The agencies which participate are the Children’s Cancer Center, City of Tampa Recreation, Eckerd Community Alternative, Incarnation Church, Men of Vision, FEC, Coach Foundation, One Church, One Child, Youth Build, Young Lions, Positive image, Feed the Children, and other related organizations.

Learn more by following Donatello on Instagram and Facebook.

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