St. Augustine woman celebrates despite damage from Hurricanes Matthew, Irma

ST. AUGUSTINE, Fla. — After Hurricanes Matthew and Irma devastated much of the St. Augustine community, one local woman wanted to celebrate the community’s strength and ability to rebuild.

Monica Davis organized the St. Augustine Community Thanksgiving Day luncheon at the First United Methodist Church in downtown St. Augustine.

Davis first hosted the event last year after Matthew. It was intended to be a one-time event, but she reconsidered after Hurricane Irma blew over Northeast Florida.

“A lot of our friends and neighbors are still rebuilding," Davis said. "And we still need places to go to lift each other up.”

Davis said she wants to make the luncheon an annual event. With the help of dozens of local restaurants and 100 volunteers, over 300 guests were served food, given clothing and serenaded by local musicians.

“It’s fantastic," guest Maura Moynihan said. "All the volunteering. Bringing all the food for Thanksgiving. It’s a wonderful idea. And I appreciate it so much.”

The luncheon was from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Cox Media Group