Curtis Family Thanksgiving to Relocate to Keefe Tech
Organizers are selling raffle tickets to cover new operational costs after losing their previous event host.
Updated on Oct. 29, 2026 in Philanthropy
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The 36th annual Curtis Family Thanksgiving will relocate to Keefe Regional Technical School this year following a change in hosting arrangements. The event, which delivered 1,700 meals to those in need last year, is scheduled for November 26, 2026.
Why it matters
Operational logistics for large-scale community events often depend on institutional partnerships, and the loss of a primary host can trigger immediate funding needs. The organization has launched a raffle to bridge the cost gap for essential kitchen and custodial labor.
The organization served 1,700 meals during the prior year and has operated for 36 years. It is now selling $10 raffle tickets to cover the kitchen and custodial expenses at its new venue.
The players
Curtis Family Thanksgiving
A long-standing volunteer-led community initiative that coordinates holiday meal distribution for local residents.
United Way of Tri-County
A regional non-profit that coordinates social services and charitable programming in the community.
Keefe Regional Technical School
A vocational-technical secondary school in Framingham that serves as the new host venue for the event.
The details
The transition to Keefe Regional Technical School requires the event to self-fund facility and staff support that was previously managed through the United Way of Tri-County. Volunteers will prepare meals on the Wednesday preceding the holiday, with distribution occurring on November 26. Proceeds from the $10 raffle tickets are specifically earmarked for kitchen staff and custodial labor to ensure the event remains operational at the new location.
Timeline
October 19, 2026: Raffle drawing at 7 p.m. at TJ's Food & Spirit.
November 26, 2026: The 36th annual Curtis Family Thanksgiving occurs.
January 26, 2027: Date of the Bruins tickets prize.
Market Landscape
This year's move to Keefe Regional Technical School marks a significant departure from the management structure established in 2020. The shift highlights the volatility of relying on institutional partnerships for the ongoing sustainability of large-scale, long-running charitable events.
Operators planning community-based events should account for the fiscal risks associated with losing a primary hosting partner. Relying on supplemental revenue streams, such as raffles or community fundraisers, is necessary to cover increased overhead for personnel and facilities.
The takeaway
Maintaining independent operational control over venues can protect long-running initiatives from sudden partner changes. Ensure event continuity by diversifying your funding sources and establishing contingency budgets for facility-related labor costs.
What happens next
The organization will hold a raffle drawing at 7 p.m. on October 19, 2026, at TJ's Food & Spirit in Ashland to raise funds for event costs.
Further reading
For more background on local community support structures, see Philanthropy.
Source note: This article includes information reported by MetroWest Daily News.
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