The holiday season toward the end of the calendar year is often also dubbed, “The Season of Giving.”

Many Americans have struggled for a long time providing basic necessities to their families, and in some cases, themselves. 

The pandemic has made it even more difficult for most. 

That reality isn’t lost on Katrina Gilbert, Philadelphia-based serial entrepreneur, and CEO of Petite Féte Philadelphia. 

It is for that reason that she has always looked for ways to give back, and make a difference.

On Saturday, Nov. 19, Gilbert, through her event space venue business Petite Féte Philadelphia, held its first annual “Thanksgiving Drive and Community Giveaway.”

“This has been a phenomenal year for me, with lots of recognition and accolades,” Gilbert told AL DÍA. “So, I thought it was my duty to give back to the community that I have not only one business, but three businesses.” 

The first annual “Thanksgiving Drive and Community Giveaway” aimed to provide Thanksgiving meals to families in need.

Available food items included turkeys, chicken, canned and baked goods, boxed stuffing mix, fresh fruit and vegetables, and a variety of desserts, such as pies and cakes. 

“We have everything you need to have a full Thanksgiving dinner,” said Gilbert. 

In addition, attendees received gift cards, winter necessities, and other valuable resources. 

“This is really to allow people to celebrate [Thanksgiving] with their families, but not have the financial burden,” said Gilbert. “Because food is very expensive right now, we know that.” 

Gilbert noted that the goal of the event was to positively impact a minimum of 100 families, but shared that there was enough food to feed up to 150 families.

Gilbert’s entrepreneurial spirit, coupled with her work in the community, led her to being named one of this year’s AL DÍA 40 Under Forty honorees. 

When asked what inspires her to give back and help out her community, Gilbert said, “This was placed on my heart by God.” 

As a business owner and stakeholder in the West Philadelphia community, it is important to her to fill a need, and bring valuable resources to her community in a cost-effective manner. 

That was her mindset when she started Petite Féte Philadelphia in 2016, as well as her other two businesses, and the goal hasn’t wavered since.