Thousands of people received a much needed meal at Gloria and Emilio Estefan's 6th annual Thanksgiving Day Feed a Friend event.
"This is great that people are out there to help us," said Malena Gonzalez.
Several sponsors partnered up with the Estefan family to feed the homeless and families in transition for the holiday.
"It's my favorite event. I think it's great to be able to share a great party on a very special day to give thanks because we have so much to be thankful for," said Gloria Estefan.
"My favorite is when I see a smile in somebody that is going through a hard time," said Emilio Estefan.
The meal featured all the traditional American trimmings and a touch of Cuban flavor, with items like roasted pork and fried plantains.
"It's Miami! It's everybody! We want everyone in the community to be a part of it," said Gloria Estefan.
One former homeless woman says she's been through alot but feels blessed to spend the holiday in such great company.
"I have no family here, so I decided to come out and make my own family. I'm so blessed and so grateful, people are giving me a second chance today. I now have a job that I love so much," said Anita Martin.
Local
No Estefan party is complete without music. A DJ and a band were on hand to lift everyone's spirits.
"Unlike other urban communities in the United States, Miami Dade County's efforts at homelessness have been largely effective," said Ron Book, Chairman of Miami-Dade Homeless Trust.
Volunteers of all ages also helped spread the holiday cheer.
"It's very important for them to learn from a young age the importance of giving back," said Anna Chong, mother of a volunteer.
More on NBC6.com:
- PHOTOS: Rock Stars Then and Now
- Naked, Burned Man Dropped Off at Sarasota Hospital
- Large Crocodile Spotted in Miami Beach
- PHOTOS: 10 Stores to Shop on Turkey Day
- Mall Santa Denies Groping Elf
- WATCH: Deer Bursts Through Shop Window
- PHOTOS: Outrageous Black Friday Behavior
- Family: We Tipped Server, Didn't Pen Anti-Gay Note
- Naked Man Walking From Georgia to Miami Arrested
