Drive Owners, Craig & Vicki Brown, to Serve as Honorary Chairs for Gratefull GVL on November 23rd

One of Greenville's most heartwarming traditions returns this Thanksgiving season, and two familiar faces from the Greenville Drive will help lead the celebration.

Greenville Drive Owners Craig and Vicki Brown have been named Honorary Chairs of the 2026 Gratefull GVL, taking place on Monday, November 23, from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM on the South Main Street Bridge in Downtown Greenville.

Presented by Prisma Health and hosted by United Way of Greenville County, Gratefull GVL is a free, community-wide Thanksgiving meal that brings together thousands of Greenville residents from all walks of life. For two hours, the Main Street Bridge will be transformed into one long community table, where neighbors, friends, families, coworkers, and complete strangers can share a meal, meaningful conversation, and appreciation for the community they call home.

The event embraces a simple but powerful message: One Meal. One Street. One Greenville.

Honoring Craig and Vicki Brown's Commitment to Greenville

For more than two decades, Craig and Vicki Brown have been passionate champions of Greenville, investing not only in the community's economic growth and revitalization but also in the people and organizations that make the Upstate such a special place to live.

Since bringing the Greenville Drive to Downtown Greenville and opening Fluor Field in 2006, the Browns have helped establish the ballpark as far more than a baseball stadium. Through charitable initiatives, community partnerships, nonprofit events, and year-round programming, Fluor Field has become a gathering place that brings people together and celebrates the spirit of Greenville.

Their selection as Honorary Chairs of Gratefull GVL reflects that longstanding commitment to community engagement and their belief in the importance of creating opportunities for everyone to feel connected.

For the Browns, the opportunity to serve as Honorary Chairs is a meaningful extension of the values that have guided their involvement in Greenville for more than 20 years.

A Thanksgiving Tradition That Brings Greenville Together

First launched in 2019 by Mary Beth Cross and Laura Halter Sardone, Gratefull GVL has grown into one of Greenville's most meaningful community celebrations, welcoming thousands of residents to gather around a shared table during Thanksgiving week.

The 2026 event marks an exciting new chapter, as United Way of Greenville County assumes the role of long-term host, helping preserve and grow the tradition for years to come.

With generous support from local restaurants, businesses, sponsors, and hundreds of volunteers, attendees will enjoy a complimentary Thanksgiving meal prepared and donated by restaurant partners throughout the Upstate.

More importantly, the event offers something that extends beyond the food: an opportunity to connect with someone new, strengthen relationships, and celebrate the shared sense of community that defines Greenville.

Everyone Has a Seat at the Table

Gratefull GVL is open to everyone, regardless of background or circumstance, and there is no cost or registration required to attend.

The Greenville Drive encourages fans, community partners, and Upstate residents to join Craig and Vicki Brown for this special celebration of gratitude, generosity, and togetherness.

2026 Gratefull GVL Event Details

• Date: Monday, November 23, 2026

• Time: 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM

• Location: South Main Street Bridge, Downtown Greenville (between Falls Park Drive and the Peace Center)

• Admission: FREE and open to the public; no registration required

• Host: United Way of Greenville County

• Presenting Sponsor: Prisma Health

• Honorary Chairs: Craig and Vicki Brown, Owners of the Greenville Drive

While the Thanksgiving holiday is often celebrated around the dinner table with family and friends, Gratefull GVL reminds us that the Greenville community is one big family — and there is always room for one more at the table.

For additional information about the event or opportunities to support Gratefull GVL, visit GratefullGVL.org.