HISTORY OF LIFE CHOIR’S THANKSGIVING FEAST In August 1967, noted Composer, Arranger, Conductor H. B. Barnum moved into his new home in the beautiful Hollywood Hills. He was very thankful and happy as his career was moving at a rapid pace, that he was moved to share his growing success and rewards. He sought out some of his childhood friends from the Aliso Village Housing Projects where he was raised. He added in a few street people from the area around Ninth and San Pedro Streets where he had sold newspapers as a youth. Last but not least, some of the stars and celebrities that he associated and worked with joined the festivities, thus the idea of the Thanksgiving Feast was born. There were close to 100 people at the first feast, and what a varied mixture of souls they were. Mr. Lou Rawls, who was a supporter of this event, NFL Hall of Fame’s “Deacon” Jones and Merlin Olsen, Everlle Younger, future State Attorney General of the State of California, Donny and Allen Osmond, Pat Boone, as well as Leroy Smith, still a friend and supporter of the Feast. Many of the dinner guests were just stopped on the streets, given an invitation, and were whisked away to enjoy Barnum’s culinary expertise on Thanksgiving Day. This event has continued uninterrupted since that time, although there were times that it seemed almost impossible to do. As the attendance grew, Barnum had to solicit help to do the cooking. There was a time when the weather was so bad that everyone had to come indoors. I am told that there was a count of close to 165 people in the house. People were eating in the kitchen, bedrooms, bathrooms and even in the sauna. However, the food was good and the love was overflowing. In 1982, another wonderful event took place in Barnum’s life. He called a few of his family members and friends to go over some Gospel songs that he had written. They kept coming over week after week, and LIFE Choir was born of this initial gathering. Today LIFE Choir is recognized as one of the Premier Gospel Choirs in the world. And today, LIFE Choir’s Thanksgiving Feast is recognized as the place to be. The members cook all of the food, and is assisted by many volunteers who come to serve food, perform set-up and clean-up chores in preparation for old friends, the growing number of homeless, senior citizens, needy families and youth. Any and everyone is invited. Invitations are sent to numerous Senior Citizen Centers around the Los Angeles area. Churches are polled for the needy, shut-ins and Seniors without families. Flyers are distributed around the Los Angeles area parks, in shopping centers, community businesses, and LIFE members contribute information about people needing and desiring to celebrate Thanksgiving with LIFE. When possible, through Bus and Van donations, LIFE Choir provides transportation from various centers/locations. LIFE Choir is serving nearly a thousand meals, and giving out close to two hundred food baskets to needy families for Thanksgiving, and meals are delivered to those who are shut-in. As a non-profit organization LIFE looks forward to sharing its Love, Inspiration, and Faith with all who come to fellowship, and gives a musical performance filled with Everlasting blessings and joy… A Thanksgiving to remember!