For the 45th year, the West Hollywood club opened its doors to anyone needing a warm meal, a little hope and a lot of humor
For the 45th year, the Laugh Factory in West Hollywood swapped punchlines for a slice of pumpkin pie, hosting its annual Thanksgiving feast for anyone in need of a warm meal and some company.
Actor and comedian Paul Rodriguez, who has volunteered at the event for 37 years, said the tradition is about more than just food
“We try to give them [hope] and we try to bring attention to the fact that that not everybody’s having a Thanksgiving,” Rodriguez said “They’re going through a lot of economic problems and a lot of mental problems of course.”
Some of the biggest names in comedy come out to the event to serve plates and greet guests. Comedian Dane Cooke says the event leaves a huge impact on him each year.
“When someone comes through the line and says ‘You fed me, you fed my kid … That’s Thanksgiving right there,’” said Cooke.
The club opens its doors to everyone– people who are far from home, those who are underserved, veterans, or anyone who is simply needing a place to go.
For James Ackermann, it is starting to become a tradition. “I’m a veteran and I didn’t just want to go to the veteran’s place, so I came here for the last three years. It’s been great and awesome.”
Outside of the club, guests who are in line reflect on change, resilience and the season ahead. “Get prepared and get on board and don’t sink, swim,” one visitor said.
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Reverend Carmelita Galatag summed up the day with a message of encouragement, “The message is for people to have hope… so they will always have Thanksgiving every day.”
Melissa Houston
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