Thanksgiving Community Dinner
A Malibu Tradition of Gratitude
For nearly three decades, the Malibu community has gathered each Thanksgiving Day around a simple but meaningful idea: no one should spend the holiday alone.
What began in 1997 through the shared vision of Diane Malecha and Janet Ettenger has grown into one of Malibu’s longest-running interfaith community traditions. Today, Malibu Methodist and the Malibu Jewish Center & Synagogue continue to welcome neighbors, families, volunteers, and guests for a day centered on gratitude, generosity, and connection.
Throughout the day, our campus fills with life. Volunteers prepare and serve a warm holiday meal while musicians bring joyful energy to the gathering. Families share tables together, children play in the yard, scout troops and students lend helping hands, and community members organize clothing donations, personal care items, and gift bags for those in need.
More than a meal, this tradition reflects the spirit of Malibu itself — people from different backgrounds and faith communities coming together to care for one another in tangible ways.
Whether helping prepare food, donating clothing, contributing financially, or simply sharing the table, every act of participation becomes part of something larger: a longstanding tradition of compassion, hospitality, and community.
Join the Thanksgiving Community Dinner
There are many ways to participate in this annual community tradition — whether by volunteering, donating, or simply joining us for the meal.
The official Malibu Community Thanksgiving Dinner website includes:
- volunteer opportunities
- donation options
- food and clothing drives
- Amazon wishlist information
- event updates and details