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'You know you made a difference' | Charlotte chef encourages neighbors to share Thanksgiving meals with refugee families

Chef Ernie Adler served with the World Central Kitchen in Ukraine in 2022.

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — For many, Thanksgiving is a time to share traditions and reflect on gratitude. For Charlotte’s Chef Ernie Adler, it’s also a chance to extend those traditions to others who have endured hardship. 

Over the past two years, Adler has delivered a full Thanksgiving meal to recently relocated Ukrainian refugee families. Now, he’s inviting others in Charlotte to join him in a new tradition of “paying it forward” by connecting with refugee families and sharing a holiday meal.

“Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays,” Adler said. “You stay in your pajamas, watch the parade, watch some football, and have a great dinner. Well, why not extend that and teach our tradition to people who don’t know it?”

Adler’s commitment to giving back began overseas. In 2022, he served with World Central Kitchen, feeding Ukrainian refugees fleeing the war. Since then, he and his wife, Amy, have welcomed refugee families into their Thanksgiving tradition, offering a homemade meal and a moment of connection.

“The first year, we welcomed a family and taught them about Thanksgiving,” Adler shared. “This year, we hope to grow that effort with more Charlotte families getting involved.”

He is inviting local families to prepare a traditional Thanksgiving meal and deliver it to recently relocated refugees in the Charlotte area. The cost, he estimates, is under $75. 

“We’re already making one Thanksgiving dinner—why not make a second? It’s a way to show that Charlotte is a place of welcome,” he said.

For Maria, a Ukrainian refugee, her first Thanksgiving with Chef Adler was a profound experience. 

“When Ernie arrived with food, his smile, and sparkles in his eyes, we felt we were not alone,” she said. “His support was about kindness, not just food.” Her children, adjusting to life in America, were touched by the warmth of the holiday.

For Adler, the initiative is about more than just a meal. 

“As tough as things get, somebody always has it tougher,” he said. “Doing this makes your Thanksgiving even better—you know you made a difference.”

Adler’s vision is to expand this Thanksgiving tradition in Charlotte, one meal at a time. “All you’ve got to do is make a second meal, bring it to them, and you’ll have the best Thanksgiving ever,” he said.

For those interested in joining Chef Adler’s Thanksgiving Meal initiative, click here

Contact Sarah French at Sarah@wcnc.com and follow her on Facebook and Twitter and Instagram.

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