Indianapolis, Indiana – For the second consecutive year, Ivy Tech Indianapolis played host to the Mozel Sanders Foundation as volunteers and staff worked together to prepare thousands of free Thanksgiving meals for families and individuals in need across central Indiana. The annual event, a hallmark of generosity in the community, continues a tradition that has provided warm holiday meals to those who might otherwise go without for more than 50 years.
The Mozel Sanders Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to fighting hunger during the holiday season, has served more than 10,000 meals in Indianapolis this year alone. Across the city, four preparation sites were set up, with Ivy Tech’s Conference Center and Culinary Institute (CCCI) producing the largest share of meals thanks to its state-of-the-art commercial kitchen and expert staff.
“We’re blessed to feed people on Thanksgiving Day,” said Stephanie Sanders, Chief Operating Officer and Chair of the Mozel Sanders Foundation, in a segment aired on WISH-TV. Her words reflect the mission that has driven the organization for decades: ensuring that no resident of Indianapolis goes hungry during the holiday season.
Volunteers of all ages and backgrounds contributed to the effort. Some have dedicated decades of service, while others joined for the first time. “I didn’t have this coming up. Being able to provide this for families and other people just to be able to eat is a big impact for me, and I love it,” said volunteer Nicky Neptune, explaining why he chose to participate this year. Another long-time volunteer shared that he has contributed to the effort for 30 years, underscoring the deep sense of community that surrounds the event.
The culinary expertise of Ivy Tech staff played a key role in making the event a success. Chef Jenni Schouppe, program chair for the School of Culinary Arts and Hospitality Management, and Chef Ricky Hatfield, an adjunct faculty member who has supported the foundation for years, were on-site to oversee meal preparation. Their guidance ensured that thousands of meals were not only prepared efficiently but also maintained the quality and warmth that the foundation is known for.
Additionally, John Perez, program chair of visual communications at Ivy Tech Indianapolis, was on-site to document the day’s activities, capturing the dedication and spirit of volunteers and staff alike. The images and video help tell the story of the massive coordination and heart that goes into making the city’s largest one-day feeding initiative a success.
Since its founding, the Mozel Sanders Foundation has delivered over a million Thanksgiving meals, mobilizing tens of thousands of volunteers and donors. The organization’s work has become a central part of Indianapolis’ holiday tradition, ensuring that families across the city have a reason to celebrate and gather around a warm meal.
For those interested in supporting the foundation, volunteering, or learning more about upcoming events, additional information is available at mozelsanders.org. Ivy Tech Indianapolis also encourages community members to explore their Culinary Institute and Hospitality programs, where students can gain hands-on experience in event planning, baking, and culinary arts, preparing the next generation of chefs and hospitality professionals.
Through the combined efforts of Ivy Tech, the Mozel Sanders Foundation, and hundreds of dedicated volunteers, Indianapolis once again celebrated Thanksgiving with an abundance of generosity, community spirit, and warm meals for those who need them most.
