Since Hilcorp came to Alaska they have gained a reputation for knowing how to get oil and gas out of an aging oil field — and how to keep the tradition of Thanksgiving and appreciation for our senior citizens by continuing a free pre-Thanksgiving turkey dinner at the Kenai Senior Center.

Lori Nelson, manager of external affairs for Hilcorp, has been involved with organizing the dinner ever since Hilcorp first came to Alaska.

“We were so pleased with the turnout today. Not only with the seniors coming out, but with the public officials and my staff and their families who came out today to guarantee we serve the seniors a wonderful dinner and feel our appreciation for them here in the community. It’s an event that has been decades in the making and one that we are proud to continue today,” Nelson told the Dispatch.

It’s hard work bringing Alaska’s oil and gas to market and workers sacrifice time away from home and family to make the industry the success that it is. So when those same hard working men and women are willing to volunteer their time off to serve the seniors of the community it is appreciated.

“There is so much to be thankful for. Not only being part of the Hilcorp team but working in this beautiful community with such great people. Many work week on week off and they could be home today but they chose to be here serving our seniors and greeting old friends,” she said.

According to Nelson it was a full house at the Kenai Senior Center last Tuesday with nearly 300 meals being served.

“Missy and the kitchen staff at the Kenai Senior Center just knocked it out of the park again today. We served up well over 200 pounds of turkey with all trimmings and pumpkin pie as well as making all the meals for the Meals on Wheels that go out to community. It was an absolute world class meal and no one went home hungry today that’s for sure,” smiled Lori.

Regarding the future and the coming year for the energy industry in the Inlet, Nelson said, “We’re an eternal optimist. The resources that we operate here in Alaska we are excited about. Our niche is taking over mature assets and that’s primarily what Alaska is now a mature basin and we are excited about the opportunities that exist not only here in the Cook Inlet but on the North Slope as well. We are here with an eager team and we are ready and willing to invest in our resources as do the best we can to turn it around.”

As seniors left for home it was with many hugs, thankful hand-shakes, smiles of appreciation and good wishes for Hilcorp’s continued success.

Hilcorp employees and their kids serve Thanksgiving dinner to Kenai seniors.

Hilcorp’s Lori Nelson coordinated the biggest turkey dinner on the Peninsula.

Mark and Anita Necessary share a smile at Hilcorp’s early Thanksgiving dinner.