Big Mama to hold fundraiser

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (WSVN) -- A South Florida philanthropist is holding a fundraiser to provide those who are less fortunate with a Thanksgiving feast.

This year Essie "Big Mama" Reed wants provide Thanksgiving dinner to 30,000 families identified as "in need" by the public school's system. "It's hard," said Reed. "My goal is to have 30,000 kids, sitting with their families, with their grandmother, whomever, eating at dinner."

Courtside Realtor Brian Davis went to a local grocery store to help Reed with her efforts. "Well, I went to Wal-Mart and picked up a bunch of turkeys," he said. "I don't know [how many]. I bought everything that was there."

On Friday, Reed is having a barbecue at 5:30 p.m. at the Ramada Inn in Fort Lauderdale with homemade meals at $25 a plate. "I believe everyone can donate something for the people in need, even if it's one turkey, everyone should do something at this time," said Davis.

For more information on ways to help go to http://www.bigmamahelp.com/

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