George J. Raymond – Nonprofit Leader & Community Advocate
Founder & Executive Director (2012 – 2017)
Philadelphia, PA — In 2012, George J. Raymond founded the Thanksgiving Community Brunch, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization built on a simple but powerful idea — that no one in the community should spend Thanksgiving hungry or alone. What began as a grassroots effort among friends quickly evolved into a citywide event that brought hope, warmth, and nourishment to hundreds of Philadelphians each year.
Under George J. Raymond’s leadership, the organization grew from serving just 30–60 people in its first year to feeding more than 500–600 guests annually by its fifth year. The event became a cornerstone of the Fishtown–Port Richmond–Kensington neighborhoods, offering not just food, but dignity and human connection to those in need — including veterans, homeless individuals, and low-income families.
A Vision Brought to Life
From the very beginning, George J. Raymond led every aspect of the organization’s growth and operations. He established the Board of Directors, filed the nonprofit’s 501(c)(3) status, built its website, and managed community partnerships, volunteer coordination, and event logistics.
Each Thanksgiving Eve, the Thanksgiving Community Brunch transformed St. Michael’s Lutheran Church (Philadelphia) into a place of celebration and inclusion. Guests enjoyed a full holiday-style meal — turkey, stuffing, mashed and sweet potatoes, breakfast favorites, and desserts — all prepared and served by volunteers and local supporters.
Beyond the meal, each guest received a care package with winter essentials such as hats, gloves, socks, and personal hygiene items. The event’s mission, “Providing nourishment beyond hunger in a way that allows each person to thrive,” guided every decision and inspired countless volunteers to return year after year.
The Power of Community
As the nonprofit grew, so did its network of supporters. Local businesses, families, and organizations contributed donations, time, and resources — embodying the spirit of togetherness that George J. Raymond envisioned from the start.
“This event reminds people that they matter,” said Raymond. “It’s about much more than food — it’s about connection, dignity, and compassion.”
Transition and Legacy
In 2019, after welcoming his first son, George J. Raymond made the difficult decision to step away from leading the organization to focus on his growing family. Before doing so, he formally structured the nonprofit’s Board of Directors, standardized all operating procedures, and established processes to connect partners with vendors and donors — ensuring the organization’s continuity and long-term sustainability.
Despite those efforts, the organization eventually closed following his departure — a reflection of just how central his leadership, vision, and organizational skills were to its success.
Still, the impact of the Thanksgiving Community Brunch endures. The memories, community bonds, and lessons learned continue to inspire others to give back and create spaces where people can come together — not just for a meal, but for a moment of humanity.
About George J. Raymond
George J. Raymond is a community-minded leader, project manager, and nonprofit founder based in Philadelphia, PA. With a strong background in operations, strategic planning, and community engagement, he has dedicated much of his professional life to helping organizations grow with purpose and integrity. His work continues to be guided by the same principle that defined the Thanksgiving Community Brunch — that every act of service, no matter how small, has the power to change lives.