On Nov. 14, Chartwells Higher Education held a nationwide Thanksgiving event, ThankFUL, that took place at over 300 U.S. college and university campuses. Students at the U of A joined millions of others nationwide in the help to fight food insecurity, celebrate togetherness and gratitude, while giving thanks to those in their community.

ThankFUL was held at our Fulbright Dining Hall and featured a Thanksgiving-style meal with some Thanksgiving staples such as pineapple glazed ham, candied sweet potatoes, herb roasted turkey, savannah cornbread stuffing and green bean casserole. The event provided students with opportunities to express their gratitude for someone, whether it be a staff member, family or friend. One of those opportunities being sharing with us what they were thankful for and writing it on a pumpkin. Along with being able to express their gratitude, there were also games and prizes. We had a balloon arch and a fall-themed background for guests to take photos in front of along with pumpkin painting, flower bouquet making, a cotton candy machine and cookie decorating where guests could decorate a cookie for themselves and decorate a cookie to give to somebody else. We also had a raffle that guests could enter to win a cozy-themed basket filled with a blanket, coffee mug, waffle maker and scented diffuser.

Chartwells staff said they felt so thankful to have campus partners like Razorback Food Recovery, the Associated Student Government, the Multicultural Center, the Arkansas Union team, National Residence Hall Honorary, Housing and local vendors like Coca Cola and MyMochi participate at our event. The Associated Student Government held its annual Meal Swipe Donation Drive, where students who purchased a meal plan and still had meal swipes left over in their account could donate meals to students in need.

ThankFUL gave students, faculty and staff an opportunity to come together for a memorable Thanksgivng themed meal, show their gratitude and give thanks. We are so appreciative of our campus partners and associates that helped make this event happen! Our ThankFUL event was a huge success with meals being donated through Associated Student Government's annual Meal Swipe Donation Drive and our donation of 150 meal vouchers to Razorback's Food Recovery's food pantry!