United Way to host return of Gratefull Greenville community meal Nov. 23
October 22, 2026
Pull up a chair and grab a plate, Gratefull Greenville will return to Main Street on Monday, Nov. 23.
Hosted by United Way of Greenville County, Gratefull Greenville is a free, public Thanksgiving meal that brings together neighbors, coworkers, families and strangers for a moment of gratitude and connection. The Main Street bridge in downtown Greenville will transform into one long community table filled with great food, conversation and the welcoming spirit that makes Greenville County so special.
“A shared meal can do more than fill a plate. It can bring people together, build connections and remind us all what we have in common,” said Meghan Barp, president and CEO of United Way of Greenville County. “We’re excited to bring this beloved event back to our community to help kick off Thanksgiving week and the holiday season.”
Presented by title sponsor Prisma Health, Gratefull Greenville is also made possible by the support of local restaurants that will provide food for the meal, generous Upstate businesses, as well as hundreds of community volunteers who help serve the food and welcome guests.
“At Prisma Health, our commitment to improving health extends beyond our hospitals, practices and clinics and into the communities where people live, work and gather,” said Anthony Jackson, senior vice president of service lines and chief community officer. “As presenting sponsor of Gratefull Greenville, we’re proud to support an event that fosters connection, belonging and gratitude. By bringing neighbors together around a shared table, this event reflects our belief that strong communities help people live healthier, fuller lives.”
Craig and Vicki Brown, owners of the Greenville Drive, will serve as honorary co-chairs of this year’s event. Since their arrival in Greenville more than 20 years ago, the Browns have generously supported efforts to address some of the community’s most pressing needs.
“There are no better hosts than Craig and Vicki Brown,” Barp said. “The Greenville Drive and Fluor Field are the front porch of our community. Honoring Craig and Vicki is a fitting way to recognize all they’ve done to make Greenville a better place, and it reflects our shared belief that everyone deserves a seat at the table.”
“Vicki and I have always believed Greenville is strongest when we come together to support one another,” Brown says. “United Way has a long history of bringing people together to make our community stronger. We’re grateful to be a part of that tradition and shared commitment to community prosperity.”
A tradition in the making
Gratefull Greenville was launched in 2019 by Mary Beth Cross and Laura Halter Sardone. Since then, the event has brought together thousands of Greenville County residents over a meal. After a short pandemic-related pause, Gratefull Greenville returned in 2024. Beginning this year, United Way will serve as the event’s long-term host.
At a glance
Date: Monday, Nov. 23, 2026
Time: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Location: South Main Street bridge, downtown Greenville, between Falls Park Drive and the Peace Center.
Cost: Free. No registration required.
Donate: Can’t make it, but still want to participate? Make a donation at gratefullgvl.org.
Other ways to participate: Restaurants interested in contributing food, and others interested in participating as volunteers and sponsors can visit gratefullgvl.org for more information on how to get involved.
About United Way of Greenville County
United Way of Greenville County mobilizes people and resources to improve lives, strengthen the community and advance equity for the benefit of all. Join the movement for a stronger Greenville County at unitedwaygc.org.
About Prisma Health
Recognized as one of “America’s Most Innovative Companies” by Fortune, Prisma Health is a private nonprofit health company with over 32,000 team members, 19 acute and specialty hospitals, 3,131 licensed beds, 320 practice sites, and more than 5,900 employed and independent clinicians across its clinically integrated inVio Health Network. Each year, Prisma Health serves more than 1.6 million patients in South Carolina and Tennessee. Connect with Prisma Health on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter/X and TikTok. Visit PrismaHealth.org.
