EVENT OVERVIEW

One of Meizon’s core values is “Belong.” While a lot of churches and organizations use “belong” in their outward facing media and marketing, seldom do they grasp what belonging truly means. At Meizon, we believe that no matter who you are, where you’re from, what you’ve done, that you belong.


As an organization, we are celebratory of LGBTQIA+ persons and the queer community. With LGBTQIA+ folks in our leadership, in vital volunteer positions, and in attendance, we are keenly aware of how painful the holiday season can be for those who have been rejected by their family due to their identity. Meizon Church wants to give back to Gainesville by hosting a new event, Thanksgiving Together, aimed at providing chosen family and community for those who otherwise would be alone on Thanksgiving day. 

Event Overview


One of Meizon’s core values is “Belong.” While a lot of churches and organizations use “belong” in their outward facing media and marketing, seldom do they grasp what belonging truly means. At Meizon, we believe that no matter who you are, where you’re from, what you’ve done, that you belong.


As an organization, we are celebratory of LGBTQIA+ persons and the queer community. With LGBTQIA+ folks in our leadership, in vital volunteer positions, and in attendance, we are keenly aware of how painful the holiday season can be for those who have been rejected by their family due to their identity. Meizon Church wants to give back to Gainesville by hosting a new event, Thanksgiving Together, aimed at providing chosen family and community for those who otherwise would be alone on Thanksgiving day. 

Event Overview

One of Meizon’s core values is “Belong.” While a lot of churches and organizations use “belong” in their outward facing media and marketing, seldom do they grasp what belonging truly means. At Meizon, we believe that no matter who you are, where you’re from, what you’ve done, that you belong.

As an organization, we are celebratory of LGBTQIA+ persons and the queer community. With LGBTQIA+ folks in our leadership, in vital volunteer positions, and in attendance, we are keenly aware of how painful the holiday season can be for those who have been rejected by their family due to their identity. Meizon Church wants to give back to Gainesville by hosting a new event, Thanksgiving Together, aimed at providing chosen family and community for those who otherwise would be alone on Thanksgiving day. 

LOCATION & TIME


The Bull, located on 1st Avenue in downtown Gainesville, has graciously agreed to host Thanksgiving Together. Set up will occur the evening of November 22nd and the morning of the 23rd. The event will commence at 4PM and conclude around 8PM.

Our intention is to serve a traditional thanksgiving dinner from 4-6PM in this nontraditional setting.

At Thanksgiving Together, the food is important, but the community is imperative. Meizon plans on fostering community through entertainment and dessert from 6-8PM. Thanksgiving Together will showcase local bands and utilize Gainesville based dessert trucks. It is our hope that event guests will laugh, smile, and grow closer to the Gainesville community while attending Thanksgiving Together. 

LOCATION & TIME

The Bull, located on 1st Avenue in downtown Gainesville, has graciously agreed to host Thanksgiving Together. Set up will occur the evening of November 22nd and the morning of the 23rd. The event will commence at 4PM and conclude around 8PM.

Our intention is to serve a traditional thanksgiving dinner from 4-6PM in this nontraditional setting.


At Thanksgiving Together, the food is important, but the community is imperative. Meizon plans on fostering community through entertainment and dessert from 6-8PM. Thanksgiving Together will showcase local bands and utilize Gainesville based dessert trucks. It is our hope that event guests will laugh, smile, and grow closer to the Gainesville community while attending Thanksgiving Together. 

Location & Time

The Bull, located on 1st Avenue in downtown Gainesville, has graciously agreed to host Thanksgiving Together. Set up will occur the evening of November 22nd and the morning of the 23rd. The event will commence at 4PM and conclude around 8PM. Our intention is to serve a traditional thanksgiving dinner from 4-6PM in this nontraditional setting.


At Thanksgiving Together, the food is important, but the community is imperative. Meizon plans on fostering community through entertainment and dessert from 6-8PM. Thanksgiving Together will showcase local bands and utilize Gainesville based dessert trucks. It is our hope that event guests will laugh, smile, and grow closer to the Gainesville community while attending Thanksgiving Together. 

ATTENDANCE COST & PROCEEDS


ATTENDANCE COST & PROCEEDS

The event will be free to attend, thanks to the generous gifts of our sponsors. Tickets will be available for sale until the day of the event. These tickets will be sold internally and available for purchase on the Thanksgiving Together website.


All ticket sale proceeds will be given as a donation to the Pride Center of North Central Florida. The attendance goal is 150 people for dinner and 300 total people in attendance over the 4 hours of the event. 

OPPORTUNITIES TO GIVE BACK


OPPORTUNITIES TO GIVE BACK

The primary way local businesses can give back to the community through Thanksgiving Together is by sponsoring the event, either monetarily or through the donation of needed items. 

Sponsorship Levels Bronze ($50+) Silver ($100+) Gold ($250+) Platinum ($500+)
Name Featured on Meizonchurch.com/together
Logo Featured on Name Featured on Meizonchurch.com/together
Website Featured on Name Featured on Meizonchurch.com/together
Sponsorship listed in event press releases
Logo featured on on-site banner during the event
Logo featured in 8.5x11" event flyers
Logo featured on an exclusive table tent/centerpiece
Representative shares about the business and reason for sponsorship during the festival