Gathered: A Thanksgiving for All of Us
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GATHERED: A THANKSGIVING FOR ALL OF US
The Story
In 2004, Mark R and Carrie W decided to have Thanksgiving together. They were in early recovery. Their families weren't talking to them. They had nowhere to go. So they cooked a meal in Mark's Long Beach home and invited a few people from the program who were in the same situation—people with no place else to go, looking for solid ground during the holidays.
That first year? About 12–13 people showed up. After dinner, they held a candlelight meeting at 7 p.m.
The next year, everyone asked: "Are you doing this again?"
They said yes. And they never stopped.
For over 20 years, Misfits Thanksgiving grew from Mark's living room into a legendary gathering. Each year, 100–200 people came through—some for dinner, some for the meeting, some arriving throughout the day. It was real, it was welcoming, and it was exactly what people needed.
When Mark moved for work, Dan B and Gina B stepped in and opened their home. The event moved to Long Beach and kept growing.
Now it comes home to West Hollywood.
Who This Is For
Everyone looking for a table where they belong. People in recovery (CMA, AA, NA). The LGBTQIA+ community. People in recovery houses. People rebuilding their lives and people just starting. People who want an hour or ten hours. People who need to be around others who get it.
This is a sober event. No drinking or using. If you're coming from outside recovery, please be mindful of that space.
What Happens
Doors open at 2 p.m. All-day gathering with a full Thanksgiving dinner. At 7 p.m., we hold a Crystal Meth Anonymous candlelight gratitude meeting—but everyone's welcome. We sit in a circle and share what we're grateful for.
How to Help
RSVP on this event page. If you want to volunteer (setup at 7 a.m., kitchen coordination, cleanup) or bring a dish (turkeys & hams especially needed), comment below or message us. We'll also be planning a Zoom meeting for volunteers and core planning—reach out if you want to be part of that.
Donate
We're taking donations to help cover costs for food, supplies, and hosting so we can welcome as many people as possible. Every dollar helps us keep this free and open to everyone.
Venmo: @daniel-bokor
When you donate, please note "Gathered 2026" in the Venmo memo so we can track donations for the event.
If you know someone who should be here, bring them. Invite them. This is our community.
See you on November 26. 💚
Hosted by Blixa C & Brian E
Co-hosted by Mark R (founder), Carrie W (founder), Dan B & Gina B (Long Beach hosts), Rudy S, and Veronica F
The Story
In 2004, Mark R and Carrie W decided to have Thanksgiving together. They were in early recovery. Their families weren't talking to them. They had nowhere to go. So they cooked a meal in Mark's Long Beach home and invited a few people from the program who were in the same situation—people with no place else to go, looking for solid ground during the holidays.
That first year? About 12–13 people showed up. After dinner, they held a candlelight meeting at 7 p.m.
The next year, everyone asked: "Are you doing this again?"
They said yes. And they never stopped.
For over 20 years, Misfits Thanksgiving grew from Mark's living room into a legendary gathering. Each year, 100–200 people came through—some for dinner, some for the meeting, some arriving throughout the day. It was real, it was welcoming, and it was exactly what people needed.
When Mark moved for work, Dan B and Gina B stepped in and opened their home. The event moved to Long Beach and kept growing.
Now it comes home to West Hollywood.
Who This Is For
Everyone looking for a table where they belong. People in recovery (CMA, AA, NA). The LGBTQIA+ community. People in recovery houses. People rebuilding their lives and people just starting. People who want an hour or ten hours. People who need to be around others who get it.
This is a sober event. No drinking or using. If you're coming from outside recovery, please be mindful of that space.
What Happens
Doors open at 2 p.m. All-day gathering with a full Thanksgiving dinner. At 7 p.m., we hold a Crystal Meth Anonymous candlelight gratitude meeting—but everyone's welcome. We sit in a circle and share what we're grateful for.
How to Help
RSVP on this event page. If you want to volunteer (setup at 7 a.m., kitchen coordination, cleanup) or bring a dish (turkeys & hams especially needed), comment below or message us. We'll also be planning a Zoom meeting for volunteers and core planning—reach out if you want to be part of that.
Donate
We're taking donations to help cover costs for food, supplies, and hosting so we can welcome as many people as possible. Every dollar helps us keep this free and open to everyone.
Venmo: @daniel-bokor
When you donate, please note "Gathered 2026" in the Venmo memo so we can track donations for the event.
If you know someone who should be here, bring them. Invite them. This is our community.
See you on November 26. 💚
Hosted by Blixa C & Brian E
Co-hosted by Mark R (founder), Carrie W (founder), Dan B & Gina B (Long Beach hosts), Rudy S, and Veronica F
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Where is it happening?
8301 W 4th St, Los Angeles, CA 90048-4202, United States, 8301 W 4th St, Los Angeles, CA 90048-4202, United States, West Hollywood
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
Know what’s Happening Next — before everyone else does.
Host or PublisherBlixa Emerson Charles
