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 26th and the morning of the 27th. The event will commence at 5PM and conclude around 8PM.


Our intention is to serve a traditional thanksgiving dinner starting at 5PM in this nontraditional setting. At Thanksgiving Together, the food is important, but the community is imperative. Meizon plans on fostering community through entertainment starting at 6PM. Thanksgiving Together will showcase local bands. 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 26th and the morning of the 27th. The event will commence at 5PM and conclude around 8PM. 



Our intention is to serve a traditional thanksgiving dinner starting at 5PM in this nontraditional setting. At Thanksgiving Together, the food is important, but the community is imperative. Meizon plans on fostering community through entertainment starting at 6PM. Thanksgiving Together will showcase local bands. 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 26th and the morning of the 27th. The event will commence at 5PM and conclude around 8PM.


Our intention is to serve a traditional thanksgiving dinner starting at 5PM in this nontraditional setting. At Thanksgiving Together, the food is important, but the community is imperative. Meizon plans on fostering community through entertainment starting at 6PM. Thanksgiving Together will showcase local bands. 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. We are asking the community to contribute for a plate, either their own or for someone else. Contributions can be made through the Thanksgiving Together website.


All proceeds from plate contributions 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 3 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 ✔ ✔ ✔
Pinned social media posts prior to the event ✔ ✔
Logo featured on on-site banner during event ✔ ✔
Logo featured on an exclusive table tent/centerpiece ✔
Representative shares about the business and reason for sponsorship during the festival ✔