Bob Vogelbaugh

By Dawn Neuses
Published November 14, 2008
(Article reproduced with the permission of the RI Argus/Moline Dispatch)

RI Argus/Dispatch photo: Todd Mizener

Bob 'Mr. Thanksgiving' Vogelbaugh flashes a big smile Thursday morning during his annual press conference at Garfield's Restaurant & Pub in SouthPark Mall, Moline. During the press conference Mr. Vogelbaugh announced plans for his 38th annual Thanksgiving day dinner. Mr. Vogelbaugh is worried about any adverse effect the current economy will have on donations for this year's dinner.

MOLINE – Two thousand pounds of meat have been ordered, and at least that many dinner rolls. His apartment is filled with cans and cans and cans of coffee, and in less than 13 days, he'll be picking up cases and cases and cases of whipped cream.

Bob Vogelbaugh, also known as “Mr. Thanksgiving,” is preparing for his 38th annual dinner Nov. 27 at SouthPark Mall.

Due to a struggling economy, he plans to feed more than the 2,000 people who attended the dinner last year, and is making a call to the community to help with monetary donations.

So far, about $1,800 has been raised, and at least $13,000 will be needed this year.

Mr. Vogelbaugh said he knows every community organization is asking for donations and things are tight with everyone. “I know there is only so much to go around, but I hope people come through this year,” he said, adding it will go on no matter what, but that this year's fundraising may affect whether or not there is a dinner next year.

Mr. Vogelbaugh said other years he has worried about donations, but not as much as now. He purposely waits until people are more in the holiday mode to make his call for help to the community, he said.

Garfield restaurant employees and managers volunteer their time on Thanksgiving to support the effort. “It is a great way to give back to the community that has graciously given to us,” said general manager McKenzie Simon.

Darcy Jacks, area director of mall marketing and business development for SouthPark and NorthPark, said the mall is happy to be able to continue to reach out to the community. She said there are very few community dinners offered to people on Thanksgiving, and the mall is excited to be a part of Mr. Vogelbaugh's dinner.

The annual dinner began in the back of a grocery store Mr. Vogelbaugh owned in downtown Moline, with 10 people participating in the meal. Today, thousands partake. “That is what Thanksgiving is about – people gathering,” he said.

It is not a charity dinner, and has never been. It is about fellowship and friendship, Mr. Vogelbaugh said. While they are needed, people don't need to come and volunteer, “they just need to come and see what it is all about,” he said, adding there is even dancing. “It is more like a Thanksgiving party.”

Monetary donations may be sent to Mr. Thanksgiving, 3716 35th St., Apt. 3, Moline, IL., 61265. How to help

Bob Vogelbaugh's 38th annual community Thanksgiving Dinner will be held from 4 to 6:30 p.m. Nov. 27 at SouthPark Mall.

Monetary donations may be sent to Mr. Thanksgiving, 3716 35th St., Apt. 3, Moline, IL., 61265.

Volunteers can meet at SouthPark Mall by 3 p.m. on Thanksgiving. There is no need to register.

Donations of pies can be dropped off after 11 a.m. Nov. 26 at Garfield's at SouthPark Mall, or after 8 a.m. on Thanksgiving at the mall's food court.

Transportation is free for Illinois residents. To make a reservation for pick-up, call Metro at (309) 788-3360 starting Friday through noon Nov. 25. There is no transportation provided in Iowa due to Federal Transportation Authority regulations that do not allow Metro to go into Iowa.

If you want to help his efforts....

Monetary donations may be sent to Mr. Thanksgiving, 3716 35th St., Apt. 3, Moline, IL, 61265.

Volunteers can meet at SouthPark Mall by 3 p.m. on Thanksgiving. There is no need to register.

Donations of pies can be dropped off after 11 a.m. Nov. 26 at Garfield's at SouthPark Mall, or after 8 a.m. on Thanksgiving at the mall's food court

Mr. Thanksgiving expects larger dinner crowd, needs more donations