FOXBOROUGH, Mass. – While the holiday season brings plenty of magic, for some it can also highlight the hardships that may weigh down people in our local communities.
It’s a season to celebrate joy and abundance, but Gevork Diarbian knows that’s not necessarily true for everyone. Captaining this year’s New England Turkey Club, the Revolution II midfielder hopes to spread that holiday cheer a little more equally and provide a bit of extra love to those in need.
Continuing a proud Revolution tradition – previously championed by former players Teal Bunbury and DeJuan Jones, in addition to interim head coach Pablo Moreira – and in partnership with the Providence Rescue Mission, Diarbian hopes to raise enough funds to feed 500 New England families this year.
“I’m really just trying to lead by example in this role. Being a local guy and knowing the community well, I just want to be an example for others who could see me and want to take on this role as well in the future,” said Diarbian. “When Walt [Day, Revolution team chaplain] presented this to me, it was a no-brainer. It’s a great way for me to get in touch with the community more, and that’s something I have always wanted to do. So, I am really happy to be doing this.”
With Thanksgiving just around the corner, Diarbian is rallying support to raise $20,000 in donations to provide holiday meal boxes for families facing food insecurity. A native of Cranston, Rhode Island, Diarbian’s mission feels deeply personal.
Diarbian and Revs teammate Cristiano Oliveira recently volunteered at the Providence Rescue Mission’s food bank, and it was an experience that left him wanting to do more.
“I’m just so grateful. We are so blessed with so many things and sometimes it is easy to take that for granted. You see these people who don’t have food, don’t have much, it just makes me want to be more involved in the community,” Diarbian explained. “When I was delivering food to these people, to see their faces and how happy they were, it just made my day and made me see how much more I want to help. Seeing them smile, seeing how thankful they were, it’s just an amazing thing.”
Beginning in 2020, the New England Turkey Club has helped feed nearly 8,000 people in need. With the help of Revolution supporters, the Providence Rescue Mission has been able to expand their impact, as Diarbian is aiming high with his $20,000 goal.
For fans looking to get involved and support Diarbian’s Thanksgiving mission, simply spreading the word can make a world of difference. For those who are able to contribute more directly, a $40 donation is capable of feeding an entire family a full holiday meal and for several days afterwards.
Feeding 500 families is a big goal, but for Diarbian, making a difference means dreaming big.
“It’s a lot of work, but people need the help. The Revolution fans and community is just such a loving community, and I know these families would love the support,” he said. “The ultimate goal is to help these people get some food and give them what they need. I’m praying that God is working through our lives to make that happen. I hope we can all work together and really help some people out this year.”
To learn more about the Providence Rescue Mission and the New England Turkey Club, or if you are looking to make a donation, all information can be found here.
