WATCH: Humanitarian Dorothy ‘Ms. Dot’ Linson’s Thanksgiving Dinner Set Nov. 21

AT EDDIE LEE TAYLOR COMMUNITY COMPLEX IN MELBOURNE

The Friday Night Locker Room’s Orville Susong is shown talking with Dorothy “Ms. Dot” Linson at the 2023 Community Luncheon. The Dorothy A. Linson “Ms. Dot” Annual Thanksgiving Day Community Luncheon will take place Thursday, November 21, from 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., at the Eddie Lee Taylor, Sr., Community Complex, 3316 Monroe Street in Melbourne.

BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA – The Dorothy A. Linson “Ms. Dot” Annual Thanksgiving Community Luncheon will be taking place Thursday, November 21, from 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., at the Eddie Lee Taylor, Sr., Community Complex, 3316 Monroe Street in Melbourne.

This “Drive-Thru Only” meal is FREE and open to the public. Ms. Dot has been involved with community events for many years and has always prioritized others.

A large crowd is expected, and drivers are asked to follow the traffic pattern.

With Ms. Dot’s 25^th Annual Thanksgiving Community Luncheon approaching, her grandchildren have penned this special letter to the community and their grandmother:

Dear Brevard County Community,

As we commemorate the 25th anniversary of Ms. Dot’s Charity Thanksgiving celebration, we want to express our sincerest appreciation to all the cities, officials, soldiers, businesses, families, and charitable heroes who have played an essential role in this incredible journey.

What started in 1999 at Brothers Recreational Park in Melbourne, Florida, as a modest gathering has blossomed into a remarkable drive-thru event serving over 1,500 residents of Brevard County. This incredible growth reflects the dedication, trust, and enthusiasm of our community.

Ms. Dorothy Linson, affectionately known as Ms. Dot or Momma Dot, has been a beacon of inspiration through Local Churches, E.L. Taylor Community Center Association., Summer Community Read N Feed program., Top Ladies of Distinction, Grambling Park Neighborhood Watch., Club Esteem & working 30+ years with the City of Melbourne Parks, Recreation and Golf.

Committed to exercising her humble childhood origins and her vow to ensure that neither she nor her children would ever face hunger. Her commitment to preventing hunger in our community—especially during a holiday as special as Thanksgiving—serves as a powerful reminder of the impact we can achieve when we unite for a common cause.

This celebration of gratitude and unity is super-powered by the generous support from our sponsors, donors, volunteers, and families. Your contributions, whether through your time, resources, or acts of kindness—have significantly touched the lives of many. Year after year, you help create a Thanksgiving experience that embodies the spirit of sharing, love, and community.

Together, we have established a legacy that honors her promise and provides joy and nourishment to countless families across Brevard County.

Lastly, thank you Grandma, Granny, Nana, ma, for being an angel on earth. You’ve taught us to lead with love and discipline, while trusting God. Let us all continue to collaborate and ensure that this cherished tradition endures for many more years to come.

With heartfelt thanks,

The GrandKIDS”

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Steve Wilson was born in DeRidder, Louisiana and grew up in both New Orleans and Macon, Georgia.  He moved to Brevard County in 1984 and retired from local government as the Community Advocate/Assistant to the City Manager with the City of Rockledge in 2018.

Among the awards and accolades Steve has received over the years are 15 + year Rockledge Little League volunteer, Brevard Public School Jefferson Award Recipient, Rockledge High School Raider Booster Award 2001, 2006, City of Rockledge Employee of the Year 2006, Rockledge Kiwanian of the Year 2006-2007, City of Rockledge Quality Public Service Award 2008, 2012, 2017, Rockledge Kiwanis Citizen of the Year 2012-2013, Space Coast Sports Hall of Fame – Sportscasting 2015, Rockledge High School Leadership and Service Award 2016, Central Florida Humanitarian Award 2017, Space Coast Inspiration Award – 2018,  Space Coast Sports Hall of Fame – Lifetime Achievement – 2020, Ecofest Achievement Award – 2022, Quality Floridian Award – 2022, presented by U.S. Congressman Bill Posey.

Wilson is especially proud of his chairing two fundraisers in support of pediatric cancer research through the St. Baldrick’s Foundation in honor of Merritt Island resident Julie Spurlock that raised over $25,000.00.

He has been a partner, along with Orville Susong, for the past 25 years with the Friday Night Locker Room, a broadcasting team that covers and reports on a wide variety of local events that are of significance to the residents of the Space Coast and beyond. Their mission is to promote youth sports, support first responders and law enforcement personnel, and showcase community and charitable events that are produced by our nonprofit partners in central Florida.

The Friday Night Locker Room has awarded hundreds of sports achievement plaques to Brevard County student-athletes over the years. They have also awarded more than $18,000 in academic scholarships to Brevard County high school seniors.

Similar Stories