In the City of Aurora, there is much to celebrate on Thanksgiving from the city’s diverse residents to the opportunities for community engagement, Aurora’s mayor and councilmembers told The Denver Gazette. 

Part of the city’s diverse tapestry is the backgrounds of its councilmembers, with Alison Coombs saying she’s thankful for her years of practicing Buddhism and Francoise Bergan expressing gratitude for her Christianity.

Meanwhile, Councilmember Ruben Medina is excited to eat homemade green chili and tortillas at his mother’s house on Thanksgiving, while Councilmember Steve Sundberg looks forward to eating steak kabobs with a Peri Peri marinade with friends and family from Africa.

The councilmembers and mayor shared with The Denver Gazette what they’re thankful for this season, what their favorite Thanksgiving dishes are and how they like to give back to their communities during the holidays. Their responses are as follows. Answers have been edited or paraphrased for space. 

Mike Coffman (mayor re-elect)

What are you thankful for? People who serve in the military making sacrifices to defend our freedom, a constitution that gives us rights, and the United States’ respect for property and the free enterprise system that allows us to have the largest economy in the world.

Favorite dish: The combination of turkey, mashed potatoes, gravy, dressing and cranberry sauce.

How do you give back? I go to places where those experiencing homelessness receive services. I serve meals, listen to their stories, and answer questions, which helps me develop effective policies to help them.

Alison Coombs (at-large elect, current Ward V)

What are you thankful for? The incredible vote of confidence from our residents, tireless support of my family and friends, and many years practicing Buddhism, which helps me have patience and strength in difficult times.

Favorite Thanksgiving dish: Mashed potatoes, the perfect comfort food.

How do you give back? I volunteer to feed food-insecure people, help families in-need get Christmas gifts, and always advocate for vulnerable people.

Francoise Bergan (Ward VI re-elect)

What are you thankful for? My family, extended family and friends. As a Christian, for God’s promise. As an American, for our constitution’s freedoms and our veterans, who protect those freedoms.

Favorite Thanksgiving dish: Butternut squash soup I make from scratch, a delicious symbol of autumn and comfort.

How do you give back? I support charities making a difference for people, especially children and veterans, and organize fundraisers or collect needed items for organizations.

Dustin Zvonek (at-large)

What are you thankful for? So much, including God’s grace, my health, my family and friends, the opportunity to serve the residents of Aurora, colleagues, our first responders, law enforcement officers, and the people who serve our nation in uniform.

Favorite Thanksgiving dish: Stuffing and apple pie. Growing up they were  foods I remember looking forward to and that hasn’t changed.

How do you give back? My family and I volunteer at Eastern Hills Community Church, supporting the For Aurora program. We donate Thanksgiving dinners and pack and deliver them to Aurora families.

Danielle Jurinsky (at-large)

What are you thankful for? Mine and my family’s health, that I’m a mom, the staff and people of Aurora, and that I live in America.

Favorite dish: Greenbean casserole. I’m obsessed with it!

How do you give back? I feed people who really need it. The holidays are lonely for some folks and I recognize that in the bar business. I sit and listen to those who feel alone.

Stephanie Hancock (Ward IV elect)

What are you thankful for? Despite all of the world’s problems, I have hope. If we are willing to try, we can be the agents of a brighter future.

Favorite Thanksgiving dish: Cornbread stuffing my mom makes with whole-berry cranberry sauce. 

How do you give back? I intend to serve my community now and all year by addressing crime, mitigating the homeless issue, and helping bring high-paying jobs to Aurora.

Curtis Gardner (at-large re-elect)

What are you thankful for? Friends, family, good health, the fact that we live in a beautiful place where we can celebrate holidays with loved ones, and the opportunities we have living here.

Favorite dish: My fried turkey (don’t tell the fire department!) that I inject with Cajun seasonings. If you dislike baked turkey, try fried!

How do you give back? Finding volunteer opportunities, like serving Thanksgiving meals and ringing bells for The Salvation Army.

Steve Sundberg (Ward II)

What are you thankful for? This is our first Thanksgiving without my dad so I’m increasingly appreciative of my family. We’ll have around 30 friends and family members from Africa this Thanksgiving.

Favorite dish: Steak kabobs with Peri Peri marinade and handmade Sambusas!

How do you give back? Having a vibrant small business and sponsoring Shop With a Cop, helping kids get clothing and supplies, and giving out meals through Comitis Crisis Center, Fraternal Order of Eagles, etc.

Ruben Medina (Ward III)

What are you thankful for? A fun-loving family who keeps me connected and loved, opportunities to be part of peoples’ journeys, my seven siblings, my community and the people, and my mother who is my guiding light.

Favorite dish: Homemade green chili and tortillas from my mother that remind me of growing up.

How do you give back? Food distributions and connecting people with resources to get meals so they have good holidays.

The Denver Gazette reached out to councilmembers Crystal Murillo, Juan Marcano and Angela Lawson and did not get a response.