WATERTOWN, Mass. — On Saturday, Nov. 8, the Suffolk University chapter of Best Buddies held their annual Thanksgiving Dinner in Watertown, Mass. It was an overcast autumn day, but the gloomy weather didn’t stop anyone from having a terrific Thanksgiving celebration.Kayla Shepherd, a Best Buddies officer, said, “This is my favorite (Best Buddies) event, the buddies have an absolute blast and everyone gets to enjoy a great meal.”

Buddies from both Watertown and Malden showed up to the event which was comprised of roughly 30 people. This event has been a huge success for Best Buddies in the past and once again lived up to its name.

Along with arts and crafts, a group effort to help prepare the turkey, stuffing and other accoutrements took place in the kitchen. There was a videogame, and a wrestling competition between the buddies and a few Suffolk University students. While several of the Best Buddies officers exclaimed that this party rivaled that of last year’s Thanksgiving, it was also the first time around for many of the collegiate volunteers as well as a few newcomers to the Watertown group home. It was the first Thanksgiving for the newest members of Best Buddies: Jonathan, Chris, and Steven, who all had a memorable holiday and are excited about their future with Best Buddies and the new friendships they have already made.

Even though Nov. 8 seems a little too early for most people to celebrate Thanksgiving, the buddies welcomed the Thanksgiving feast with open arms and big appetites. The meal was complete with turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, cranberry cocktail and enough gravy to drown your entire meal! Stephanie Mongan ’10, was in charge of the meal for yesterday’s event and stated that she “was a little nervous that the 25 lb. turkey wouldn’t be large enough,” and she was almost right.

The buddies devoured the Thanksgiving meal leaving the kitchen scarce. Stephen Michael, a buddy who has mental retardation, spoke for everyone when he let out a loud belch heard throughout the room.

As with most Best Buddies events, the time flew by and the students had to return back to campus, but not without a sense of fulfillment and a full stomach.

Best Buddies will now spend the next month preparing for their annual book drive as well as getting ready for the Christmas party that takes place shortly after Thanksgiving break.