(December 24, 2008)

On this day before Christmas, a tradition 20 years in the making with roots deep in the heart of South Texas. It's called the the Feast of Sharing 2008.

It was 20 years ago that Eddie Garcia was asked by his boss, Charles Butt of HEB to come up with an event that would enable his company to share good tidings with the people he served. After some thought, eddie came up with the perfect idea.

A record-setting 1,500 volunteers came to serve up a hot delicious traditional sit down meal to more than 13,000 people.

"It's wonderful, i just think its great really," said Jenny Warne, who came to enjoy the Feast of Sharing. "Just a wonderful thing that HEB is doing for the people. the citizens of Corpus Christi."

"Volunteers put in a lot in to this to help HEB put out food for us to come out here and enjoy ourselves have good entertainment, said Frankie Duckworth, who enjoyed the Feast of Sharing. "Have good people to talk to laugh with and the food is excellent."

This is exactly what Mr. Butt, Eddie Garcia's boss wanted the event to be when he came up with the idea. Holding the first one in Corpus Christi on Christmas Eve in 1988.

"One of his requests was that that the guests that come would be our guests. be treated with a lot of dignity, good food and entertainment, but one of his charges was i want everybody to be served at the table," said Eddie Garcia.

Eddie's good work and efforts did not go unrecognized today.

"I do hereby proclaim december 24th 2008 as Eddie Garcia Day in Corpus Christi, Texas," said Corpus Christi Mayor Henry Garrett who presented a proclamation to Garcia..

Eddie said none of this would have even been possible had it not been for the support and help of volunteers. Volunteers. Young and old from all walks of life, abled and disabled.Those who could did.

"My name is sammy trevinoand Ii'm volunteering this year in the Christmas dinner passing out the flyers for coloring books in

the children area," said Sammy Trevino. 

To date, there are 28 feasts of sharing events held in Texas and Mexico, providing more than a quarter million meals and an incredible feat by any stretch of the imagination.

"Did you ever imagine that this is what it would come to? Eddie Garcia said: "You know never did. never did. You know its something very special.