Cornucopia Cruise Line is expanding its cherished holiday community dinner tradition to Perth Amboy this year, marking the first time the company's annual gathering will serve residents in the waterfront city.

On Tuesday, December 23, starting at 4 p.m., approximately 250 Perth Amboy residents will gather for a holiday dinner made possible through a collaborative effort between Cornucopia and a network of local community partners.

For years, Cornucopia Cruise Line has hosted holiday community dinners as part of its commitment to giving back. This year's expansion to Perth Amboy represents a new chapter in that tradition, with the City supporting the effort by coordinating family referrals through trusted local organizations.

“The goal was to reach families who would truly value this experience,” Cornucopia Cruise Line Owner Mustafa Kilic said. “For many residents, stepping onto a vessel of this size and enjoying a fine-dining style holiday meal with their entire family is not something they would typically have access to.

“By working through organizations that serve families every day, Cornucopia and the City ensured the invitations were meaningful and fair within the limits of the space,” Cornucopia Cruise Lines Vice President Hidayet Kilic added.

The City of Perth Amboy and the Perth Amboy Business Improvement Corporation worked behind the scenes to connect families with the opportunity through partnerships with the Jewish Renaissance Foundation's Family Success Center, Central Jersey Medical Center, Puerto Rican Association for Human Development, Salvation Army, Make the Road and Middlesex College Success Bound.

“This event shows what is possible when a private partner leads with intention and the City supports in a thoughtful way,” Perth Amboy Mayor Helmin J. Caba said. “The City’s role is to help coordinate services, connect community partners and make sure the opportunity reaches families who would benefit most. The value is in seeing residents enjoy a meaningful holiday experience while strengthening relationships with partners who care about the community.”

The Perth Amboy police and fire departments will also participate in the event, assisting with on-site coordination and family activities throughout the evening.