The Cory and Donna Gabel Foundation, Inc., a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.

We began the brigade 23 years ago in Ventura, California. We had both attended an Anthony Robbins conference and were intrigued by his International Basket Brigade. After inquiring about which local Brigade chapter we could volunteer for, we were instead told "there isn't a brigade in Ventura - you should start one!"

So, we took the plunge. That year, we and a few friends met at our home the Sunday before Thanksgiving, went to a local grocery store and bought food. We assembled baskets to make a Thanksgiving meal - turkey, potatoes, stuffing, vegetables, bread, dessert - eventually delivering 15 baskets to the local Boys and Girls Club.

The next year, we had moved to Connecticut, and continued the Brigade in Burlington. Every year it grew, until we couldn't fit all the food in our garage and driveway, and the Region 10 School District instantly jumped in and offered us a new home.

We've come a long way since then, with massive help from friends, families and businesses throughout the community. We hope you'll join us!

For the first time, we are adding an extra arm to our fundraising efforts. Many of our Connecticut charitable partners don't rest on their laurels after Thanksgiving. They also sponsor their own holiday gifts for kids programs. They work with their donors to sponsor families in need, and then fulfill the gift wishlists of very excited children! We are excited to financially support their efforts this holiday season.

When you reach the check-out page for your Brigade donation, you'll have the opportunity to make an additional small contribution to this program if you wish.