Ed Oliver Jr. hosts 5th Annual Thanksgiving Celebration for Seniors in Marksville Nov. 13

NFL defensive tackle Ed Oliver Jr., a proud native of Central Louisiana and a current starter for the Buffalo Bills, will once again give back to the community that helped shape him. On Thursday, Nov. 13, he will host his 5th Annual Seniors Thanksgiving Celebration at the Bethune Community Center (551 MLK Boulevard, Marksville).

Event details

• Time: 10 a.m.–3:30 p.m.
• Who can attend: Seniors 55+ from across Avoyelles Parish and the surrounding area
• Cost: Free

The annual celebration has become a cherished local tradition, offering a full catered Thanksgiving lunch, live music, gift bingo, door prizes, and the opportunity for seniors to visit with health-care vendors who will be on site providing wellness information and screenings. Organizers say the event is designed not only to share a meal but also to foster community, appreciation, and fellowship for older residents in the parish. The gathering has become one of the most anticipated events of the fall, giving seniors a chance to connect and enjoy an afternoon dedicated to them.

Ed Oliver Jr., whose father, Ed Oliver Sr., is from Marksville and whose family maintains deep roots in Avoyelles Parish, has made it a personal priority to honor local seniors each year.

“Seniors have helped to mold me into the successful man I am on and off the field, and it is important to give back to them,” Oliver said in remarks shared by event organizers.

He credits his upbringing, family values, and the support of older generations for inspiring his outreach to Central Louisiana and for keeping him grounded despite the demands of a professional football career.

Oliver, now in his seventh NFL season, has built a reputation for his leadership both on and off the field. A former standout at the University of Houston, he earned national recognition as one of college football’s top defensive players. In 2017, he was named to the Walter Camp All-American First Team and won the prestigious Outland Trophy, awarded to the nation’s top interior lineman. Two years later, in 2019, he was drafted in the first round of the NFL Draft as the ninth overall pick by the Buffalo Bills. Since then, Oliver has become a consistent force on the Bills’ defensive line and a fan favorite known for his energy and work ethic.

Despite his professional success, Oliver has remained dedicated to giving back to his home state and to Central Louisiana. The Thanksgiving celebration has grown each year since its launch in 2020, attracting hundreds of participants from across Avoyelles and surrounding parishes. In past years, local businesses, community leaders, and volunteers have partnered with Oliver’s family and SURGE Marketing Group, LLC to bring the event to life. Organizers emphasize that the celebration is about far more than football—it’s about family, gratitude, and recognizing the people who laid the foundation for future generations.

For Avoyelles Parish, the event represents more than a seasonal gathering. It highlights the importance of senior outreach in rural communities, where access to health care and social resources can be limited. The celebration also strengthens local ties and reflects how individuals who achieve national success can continue to make a difference at home. As Oliver’s football schedule keeps him on the road during much of the season, family members and community partners help ensure the event runs smoothly, reinforcing the sense of teamwork and hometown pride that defines the occasion.

Event coordinator Alayna Surge of SURGE Marketing Group said the goal is to provide a meaningful experience for every senior who attends.

“For many of our seniors, this is an event they look forward to all year,” Surge said. “It’s a time to enjoy a meal together, reconnect with friends, and celebrate the people who have done so much for this community.” She added that volunteers are always welcome and encouraged to help with serving meals, assisting guests, coordinating bingo games, and handing out door prizes.

Organizers recommend that attendees arrive early, as seating and meal service are limited. Seniors from throughout Central Louisiana are invited to attend, and the event is completely free of charge.

Contact & Volunteer Info
For more information about the celebration or to volunteer, community members may contact Alayna Surge at alayna.surge@gmail.com or by phone at 318-359-9114.

By continuing this annual tradition in his hometown region, Ed Oliver Jr. demonstrates that giving back is a lifelong commitment. For local seniors, the celebration provides not only a meal but also recognition, appreciation, and connection during the Thanksgiving season.

“This is where it all started. Giving back to the people who gave so much to me will always be important.”