28/11/2025
Thanksgiving in Lehigh Acres: Hundreds Eat Free and Politics Discussed
By Katrina Salokar | East Lee News
The Rotary Club of Lehigh Acres wrapped up its 19th Annual Free Thanksgiving Community Meal this afternoon after serving a constant flow of guests from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at St. Raphael’s Catholic Church.
I attended the event while it was underway, speaking with volunteers and community members as they worked, chatted, and enjoyed the warm, bustling atmosphere inside the parish hall.
The meal appeared on track to meet or exceed last year’s total of 600+ plates served, a tradition that continues to grow as more families turn out each Thanksgiving.
“It’s Phenomenal!”
My first interview of the day was with Rae Nicley, who was volunteering near the dining area when I approached her. She shared the depth of her involvement and why this event matters so much to the community.
Ray Nicely, speaking in a thick East Lee accent,
“So what are we doing here today? We’re volunteering. This is our fourth year, coming here and volunteering for Rotary and it’s phenomenal! A lot of people we see here today come to our food pantry, and today they take advantage of this and it’s a marvelous opportunity. The food is delicious. You get served, people talk to you and they’re friendly and make you feel very welcome.”
She explained the Rotary’s long-standing commitment:
“The Rotary Club of Lehigh Acres, this is like their 19th year doing this free meal for the community. And I know last year they served over 600 people, and I believe today they’re expecting about 800.”
On volunteers:
“I want to say, like, at least 100. I know last year we had 40, and it’s at least double that, and it might be 100.” She added a note that delighted many of the seniors attending. “One thing is because so many students also help out, because they’re in the Interact Club at East Lee County High, which gives them an opportunity to get their community service hours and also be here amongst the public… and you know, a lot of old people like me, they love to talk to these young people. So it makes it a very happy occasion.”
I then asked for her full name and position. “I’m Charlotte Ray Nicley. I serve as Executive Director of Lehigh Community Services, and we’ve been in existence for 48 years this year and we love serving the public and we actually serve over 50,000 clients a year.”
When I told her “Good job,” she smiled like only Rae can and said, “Thank you!”
The Massive Operation Behind Today’s Meal
Although the public portion of the meal lasted just four hours, preparation began late Tuesday night and continued through Thanksgiving morning. More than 80 volunteers took part in the cooking, serving, and cleanup effort.
The menu included:
35 large turkeys (around 20 pounds each)
Several large hams
Mashed potatoes
Stuffing
Sweet potatoes
Green beans
Rolls
Cranberry sauce
Pumpkin pie
Project Chairperson Fred Elliott spoke in an earlier press release:
“It has been important to our club to not stop this tradition. We welcome anyone who shows up and wants to join us.”
A “Wishing Well” was placed at the entrance for those who insisted on donating, though Elliott made clear:
“Nobody has to pay for anything. Free is the magic word.”
Interview With “The Boss”
Later in the afternoon, I interviewed Edward Michael Bluff, affectionately known as “The Boss.”
Q: All right Mike, what’s your name?
A: “What’s my name? Edward Michael. My last name is Buff.”
Q: And obviously you’re with the Rotary because you have a cool hat on.
A: “Yes. I am with the Rotary.”
Q: How many years? With Rotary or doing this?
A: “For me? How many years? For me about seven or eight. Seven or eight years in the Rotary.”
Q: And then why does your name tag say ‘The Boss’?
A: “It’s because somebody thought they should put that on there.”
Q: So what are you in charge of today?
A: “This side here. From the dividers out. To the back.”
Q: And how’s the crew doing?
A: “They’re doing great. Yeah, we just got to hope we got enough food. Yeah. So far, well, we’ve got ham at the backup, because we also use ham for Christmas.”
When I asked if he wanted to add anything, he paused and asked:
“Nonpolitical? Ha ha.”
I replied:
“You can be political. It’s fun.”
He went on:
“Well, we’ve got a young lady running for County commission, a female.”
I smiled and said, “Yes, go ahead, let’s hear about it. Amanda?”
He continues, “She’s a smart lady, and they ought to put her on the county commission.”
I let Mike in on a little secret and took some time to add in some last election details.
“Mike, I’ve got to tell you, I helped Amanda run for Lee County Commissioner in the last election and did you know she won 65% of District 5, which is a landslide, technically. She won 87% of her precinct, which is Alva, and she won the day of voting in all of Lee County, but she still lost because of 6,500 or so mail in ballots, primarily from Cape Coral and Fort Myers, which is why we need to vote for single-member voting districts in 2026.”
“You betcha!” He continued enthusiastically, offering support and even giving me his home address for a campaign sign. “You know where the Alva Bridge is? I can hear the bells on it every time the boats go through, and if she wants me to put up a sign in my front yard, I'll do that, too.”
Mike also proudly pointed out his well-known landmark near the Alva Bridge:
“You know where the eagle is? On the right you see an eagle? Yeah, the eagle, that’s me.”
He finished our conversation with:
“Well, anything Amanda wants that I can do for her, I’ll be happy to do.” He continued, “Because I was going to run for that office, but somebody told me that she was running and I heard her last time at the church and I think she will make an excellent commissioner.”
I added, “Oh, yeah, she will, because she does her homework. Amanda listens and she does her homework.” Mike added, “And we need her!”
A Community Tradition Worth Preserving
The event was still in full swing as I headed out. Laughter was still coming from the dining tables, volunteers weaving between guests, and the kitchen humming like a well-tuned machine. There was no rush, no pressure, just neighbors taking care of neighbors.
Today’s gathering was more than a free meal. It was a reminder of what community looks like when people show up, serve together, and share something as simple and powerful as Thanksgiving dinner.
The Rotary Club’s mission of service, integrity, goodwill, and community leadership was present in every smile, every plate, and every conversation and will be for years to come.
More Information:
Fred Elliot
Project Chairperson, Rotary Club of Lehigh Acres
(239) 369-6161
Katrina Salokar Amanda Cochran For Lee County Commissioner District 5 Rotary Club of Lehigh Acres Lehigh Acres, FL Alva Inc Buckingham Community Association, Inc Unite Lehigh SWFL Business Alliance
Coldwell Banker Preferred Properties Derek Felder
