Denver chef gives out over 15,000 Thanksgiving meals across the metro area
The 5th annual Ms. Betty’s Madsgiving Harvest provided food for families in Denver, Aurora and Lakewood
Denver-based chef Tajahi Cooke and his wife, Danielle Cooke, brought together local chefs, farmers and volunteers to provide free Thanksgiving meals across the Denver metro area on Thursday.
The fifth annual Ms. Betty’s Madsgiving Harvest provided pre-cooked meals stationed at various locations around Denver, Lakewood and Aurora.
The giveaway, named after Cooke’s grandmother, has provided around 40,000 meals to families in need during the Thanksgiving holiday over the past four years. This year, they plan to increase that number by 15,000.
“It’s for families that are in need or homeless under the bridge. Whoever needs a meal, we want to make sure that’s provided today,” said Dwayne Johnson, a member of the Cherry Creek School District and volunteer for Ms. Betty’s Madsgiving Harvest. He helped run the giveaway at Overland High School and Prairie Middle School in Aurora.
Though Ms. Betty’s has been giving away meals for five years, this was the first year the giveaway partnered with Cherry Creek School District.
The genesis of the event came from Cooke’s childhood in Jamaica. He fondly remembers when the Salvation Army gave out food, blankets and other provisions during disasters in the country.
Cooke harkens the idea back to his grandfather’s saying, “One hand cannot clap, one wing cannot flap, but together we can fly,” according to the Ms. Betty Harvest Madsgiving website.
The event gave away precooked meals in containers, prepared by Cooke and a collection of volunteer chefs in the region.
The food is inspired by Cooke’s grandmother, infusing Jamaican roots. Cooke also grew his cooking skills during his time working at Denver metro restaurants Mesa Verde, The Kitchen and Next Door American Eatery.
Along with the food, Prairie Middle School also had their donation pantry open, giving away warm clothes and other supplies to any family in need.
“There’s nothing more rewarding,” Johnson said. “At one point in my life, I needed a hand up. So, it does my heart good to be able to do this here for the communities, the families and the school district.”
