One of the city’s most benevolent residents turns 96 next month, but that won’t stop Rosa Wims from inviting hundreds of her neighbors over for a warm, holiday meal.
The 33rd edition of “Rosa’s Thanksgiving Dinner” is scheduled for Monday at the Montgomery Neighborhood Center on Cady Street. The event begins at noon.
“Mother Wims,” 95, as she is known in the neighborhood, has dedicated her life to public service. She is recognized as the first black nurse’s aide at Rochester General Hospital and later became a licensed practical nurse. She founded the Faith Community Health Awareness Center on Genesee Street, which later was renamed in her honor, the Rosa Wims Family Wellness Center.
What began as a small holiday gathering on Jefferson Avenue has transformed into a yearly tradition that feeds hundreds. Volunteers from the health care community help serve the food, much of which is prepared by Foodlink’s Community Kitchen, led by Executive Chef Casey Holenbeck. The turkeys are generously donated by Palmer Food Services, and pies are donated by Special Touch Bakery.
Wims has spent most of her life in the Third Ward and Corn Hill neighborhoods since moving to Rochester as a teenager. She has earned several awards and honors for her work, including the “W” Award, Susan B. Anthony Award, and the W. Burton Richardson Lifetime Achievement Award.
WHO: Foodlink, Rosa Wims & all her friends and neighbors!
WHAT: 33rd annual Rosa’s Thanksgiving Dinner
WHEN: Monday, November 12, 2018; Noon until food runs out
WHERE: Montgomery Neighborhood Center; 10 Cady Street, Rochester
