“We’ve been very blessed and our business has grown over the years,” said owner Casey Johnson. “To be in Fort Dodge, in Webster County, this is one of several ways that we want to give back to the community for everything that people have done for us.”

The dinner will be served from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Thursday in the dealership’s showroom at 2723 Fifth Ave. S. and everyone is invited.

The tradition started 17 years ago with about 300 people stopping in to eat, Johnson said. Since then, it grows by a few hundred people each year and is an event they always look forward to hosting.

“We really could not do it without the help of the Iowa Central culinary students and Chef Michael, Chef Geoff up there,” Johnson said, referring to Michael Hirst, the director of Iowa Central’s Culinary Arts Program, and Geoffrey Phillipson, associate instructor for the program.

Johnson said they have been planning this event for the past several months.

In addition to the meals being served at the dealership, another 1,000 meals will be delivered to homebound residents, Johnson said.

“All of this is in partnership with Iowa Central Community College Culinary Arts Program and Chef Michael,” he said. “Last year, we served 2,300 people. We feel the need is as great as ever and will probably be in a similar headcount again.”

Fort Dodge Ford staff and volunteers will begin setting up at 9:30 a.m. at the dealership. More volunteers are welcome to stop by at any time to help out.

“It’s just very heartwarming to see all the people within Fort Dodge and the surrounding communities come in and help support us in this cause,” Johnson said of the volunteers that step up every year.

For those who are homebound, Fort Dodge Ford offers free meal delivery to residents living in Fort Dodge city limits. Delivery requests must be placed by Tuesday and can be made by calling 515-576-7505.