Thankful for community: Public meals bring out the best in Bemidji

BEMIDJI-Members of the Bemidji High School Girls Tennis Team stepped off the court and into a diner Thursday to help provide a hot free meal.

The volunteer effort took place at Southside Restaurant in Bemidji with business owners Jeff and Sherry Wizner not only serving turkey meals, but collecting donations for St. Jude's Children's Hospital and the tennis team, too.

Ken Pankow, assistant tennis coach, said the Wizner's contacted the team, explained the Thanksgiving event and added that they would make a contribution to the team if some of the players would volunteer.

"We were able to get enough players together for it, and it's been a lot of fun," Pankow said. "We got here at 10 a.m. and they started serving at 11. It's been very busy and there's been a lot of thankful guests."

Pankow said helping Southside Restaurant with the free dinner is not just a way to assist the community, but serve as a teachable moment for students, as well.

"With sports in general, there are a lot of life lessons. It's not just about going out and trying to win a match or get stats. You learn how to be a team player. You learn about respect and responsibility," Pankow said.

"Doing something like this, it shows the young people that volunteering is a way to get out and help and contribute to the community that supports them."

The Thanksgiving dinner served at Southside Restaurant was one of two taking place Thursday, the other at St. Philip's Catholic Church. The dinner at St. Philip's is one that rotates annually to six area churches.

The church dinner has been in operation for 36 years and feeds close to 600 people, including about 200 deliveries, all with the help of up to 70 volunteers.

Pankow said events such as the two on Thursday are an important aspect to the area.

"I think there's a very large population of people who could use the free meal," Pankow said. "Something like this is just a great community outreach. A lot of people who hadn't even met each other before sit down and eat together. There's a real feeling of fellowship."

1/3: Jim Wizner carves turkey for the Southside Restaurant Thanksgiving dinner. (Matthew Liedke | Bemidji Pioneer)

2/3: Mike Locke and Clayton Braaten work the assembly line at St. Philip's Catholic Church. (Matthew Liedke | Bemidji Pioneer)

3/3: Pumpkin pie at Southside ready to be sent out. (Matthew Liedke | Bemidji Pioneer)