18 Years Strong: Patty's Place Opens for Thanksgiving

Inside Patty's Place on Canandaigua's Main Street, people helped spruce up the diner for some special guests.

"We grew up poor and I just like being around people, I can't explain it," said Patricia Hotchkiss, owner of Patty's Place.

In just 24 hours, Patty's Place will open for business on a holiday, free of charge.

"It's been very successful and we do touch a lot of lives in so many ways," said Hotchkiss.

Patricia Hotchkiss is part owner and part holiday philanthropist.

"You just have to see their faces," she said.

This year will be feast number 18.

Patty said, "I have some good recipes," as she cooked up some holiday sides in the restaurant's kitchen.

She accepts donations that go to help others during the rest of the year.

But Patty is always shocked by who gives up a few cents.

"You know what is really sad, it's the people that don't have anything, they leave their change, to me that is a million dollars," said Hotchkiss.

Patty's Thanksgiving meal started with a couple people and some veterans who didn't have a place to go and now it's grown to more than 100 people joining for the annual tradition.

Customers donate turkeys.

There are 30 this year.

Volunteers bring desserts and Patty cooks up the sides.

She said its a holiday tradition she plans to continue as long as she is working.

"Have a happy holiday," said Patty as one customer walked out the door.

Food is served from 11am to 1pm at Patty's Place on Main Street in downtown Canandaigua.

She also delivers hot meals to people in the Canandaigua area.

Her number is 396-9470.

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