THIS IS THE CHURCH’S 3-RD YEAR PROVIDING FREE HOLIDAY MEALS. PAPA FRANK’s italian restaurant O WINOOSKI WAS OPEN TODAY… TO SERVE A THANKSGIVNG MEAL THIS AFTERNOON. FROM 12 TO THREE, COMMUNITY MEMBERS COULD STOP IN FOR A FREE, FRESHLY- MADE THANKSGIVING LUNCH. THE EVENT WAS IN HONOR OF KAREN PAQUETTE… OWNER MOE PAQUETTE’S LATE WIFE. MOE SAID KAREN WANTED TO HOST THE EVENT FOR YEARS…BUT COULDNT BECAUSE OF HER HEALTH. HE SAYS HE IS NOW HOSTING THE EVENT TO GIVE BACK TO THE COMMUNITY THAT HAS SUPPORTED THEM THROUGH THE YEARS. <“Moe Paquette, owner, papa frank’s: “she, three years ago was, diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, and she always wanted to do a community bill, because of her health, we couldn’t do it. So in her honor, we’re doing it today. We just decided last moment that, you know, like, couple weeks ago. We just do it. And that’s pretty much it. I mean, we want to help the community, and we’re they’ve helped me over the years, so that’s kind of giving it back.” > THE MEAL WAS FREE…BUT ANY DONATIONS PEOPLE MADE… WERE GIVEN TO THE “VERMONT FOOD BANK”..
Papa Frank’s serves Thanksgiving meal to give back to the community
Updated: 10:14 AM EST Nov 28, 2025
Editorial Standards ⓘ
In Winooski, Papa Frank’s Italian restaurant welcomed the community for a midday Thanksgiving meal, free of charge. From noon to 3 p.m., community members could stop in for a free, freshly made Thanksgiving lunch. The event was in honor of Karen Paquette, the owner Moe Paquette’s late wife.Moe said Karen wanted to host the event for years, but couldn’t because of her health. He said he is now hosting the event to give back to the community that has supported them through the years.”Three years ago, was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, and she always wanted to do a community meal, but because of her health, we couldn’t. So, in her honor, we’re doing it. We want to help the community, and we’re they’ve helped me over the years, so that’s kind of giving it back,” said Moe.Even though the meal was free, people were encouraged to make a donation. The money will go to the Vermont Food Bank and support local families through the rest of the holiday season.
WINOOSKI, Vt. —
In Winooski, Papa Frank’s Italian restaurant welcomed the community for a midday Thanksgiving meal, free of charge.
From noon to 3 p.m., community members could stop in for a free, freshly made Thanksgiving lunch. The event was in honor of Karen Paquette, the owner Moe Paquette’s late wife.
Moe said Karen wanted to host the event for years, but couldn’t because of her health. He said he is now hosting the event to give back to the community that has supported them through the years.
“Three years ago, [Karen] was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, and she always wanted to do a community meal, but because of her health, we couldn’t. So, in her honor, we’re doing it. We want to help the community, and we’re they’ve helped me over the years, so that’s kind of giving it back,” said Moe.
Even though the meal was free, people were encouraged to make a donation. The money will go to the Vermont Food Bank and support local families through the rest of the holiday season.
Dining and Cooking