Kevin Walters is not only known for his business savvy and love for art and music, he has a deep appreciation for the Harlem community and the many nonprofit groups serving the disadvantaged residents there. So the restaurant owner decided this year that he would open his doors to the community and host a Thanksgiving banquet for the areas neediest residents free of charge.

"With the election of President-Elect Barack Obama and the current economic state of our nation it is truly the best and worst of times," said Kevin Walters, Owner, Creole Restaurant and Music Supper Club. "It is in times like these that we must join forces, lock arms together and to take care of our community."

Some of the first to respond were Congressman Charles Rangel, Hope Community, Inc, a nonprofit affordable housing developer, the NYC Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Dave and Bob Acosta, owners of El Barrio Hardware Store, NYC Councilwoman Melissa Mark-Viverito, The Coalition for the Development of the Black Family, Stroehmans Bread, NYPD Inspector Montgomery, the 25th and 28th Police Precincts.

Together they plan to attract more of the area businesses and leaders to join forces  this afternoon in providing a complete traditional Thanksgiving dinner with all of the trimmings for 500 families in their community.

EVENT:           FREE COMMUNITY PRE-THANKSGIVING BANQUET

WHEN:            TODAY, WEDNESDAY, NOV. 26, 2008  12:30 P.M. TO 3:30 P.M.

WHERE:         CREOLE Restaurant & Music Supper Club 2167 Third Avenue @ 118th Street New York, New York   10035