The Housing Authority of the City of Asheville (HACA) will sponsor and host the fourth annual Racing to Feed America event at its Arthur R. Edington Education & Career Center, welcoming residents and the broader Asheville community for a Thanksgiving meal, turkey giveaway, and live music on November 21.

  • When: Saturday, November 21, noon to 6 p.m.
  • Where: Arthur R. Edington Education & Career Center, 133 Livingston St.
  • What: 1,000 hot meals, 250 Thanksgiving turkeys, special guests, live music, and community resources. Meals and turkeys are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
  • Who can attend: Open to the public. 

Founded by former WNBA player and Asheville native Rhonda Mapp, Racing to Feed America brings neighbors together around a shared meal. Joining Mapp for this year’s event are former WNBA players Bridget Pettis, a two-time WNBA champion; Ivory Latta; and  WNBA Legend Kym Hampton.

Three celebrity chefs beloved by the Asheville community — Chef C.I., Chef Sparrow, and Chef Jo — will prepare hot meals, bringing their culinary talents to the gathering. Guests can also enjoy live entertainment featuring Hypnotic Band and DJ Supaman, along with an opportunity to connect with local businesses and community organizations offering valuable information and resources.

“It’s an event where people can come reunite and fellowship!” said Mapp, who grew up in Asheville’s Montford neighborhood.

A longtime community advocate, Rhonda Mapp’s passion for giving back is rooted in an impressive basketball career that took her across the United States and overseas. Her achievements began with a high school 4A state championship and an AAU National championship with the Charlotte Monarchs before continuing her basketball journey at NC State, where she also won an ACC Championship. She went on to win a championship while playing professionally in Israel.

In 1997, Mapp made history when she was selected in the first round as the third overall pick in the WNBA’s inaugural draft. She went on to play for the Charlotte Sting and Los Angeles Sparks, becoming a WNBA champion with the Sparks.

Now living in Charlotte, Mapp has spent years giving back to her community. In 2023, she extended that commitment to her hometown by organizing the first Racing to Feed America event in Asheville.

Following Tropical Storm Helene in 2024, Racing to Feed America distributed approximately 2,500 prepared meals in October and another 800 in November. This year’s gathering continues that commitment to helping neighbors put food on the table.

“I know my purpose is to give back to the community,” Mapp said. “It’s what makes me feel whole as a person.”

Ella Santos, president and CEO of the Housing Authority of the City of Asheville, said HACA is pleased to provide space at the Edington Center as part of its ongoing work to connect residents and the broader Asheville community with resources and support.

“We want the Edington Center to be a place where people feel welcome and where partnerships make a difference in their daily lives,” Santos said. “Helping Rhonda bring this event to our community means more families can head into Thanksgiving with a meal to share and a reminder that their neighbors care.”

For more information, visit racingtofeedamerica.org.