Arnold Abbott receives award, donation before holiday feast

Farver Foundation names 90-year-old their Humanitarian of the Year

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – Arnold Abbott received an award and a donation before a holiday feeding Wednesday.

"We get together and it is like one big family," said Steven West.

The Farver Foundation named Abbott, 90, their Humanitarian of the Year. The award included a $15,000 check for Abbott's "Love Thy Neighbor" group.

The holiday feast also included a donation of clothes.

"We know that you and your amazing group of volunteers will continue to use the money wisely," said Michael Farver, a trustee of the Farver Foundation.

Abbott has received several citations for previous feedings for violating a city ordinance banning public feedings. The law has drawn the ire of many who say Abbott is providing a warm meal for people who otherwise would go hungry.

Earlier in the week, a judge essentially put the law on hold for 45 days in order to give Abbott and the city a chance to come up with a compromise.

Abbott said he is willing to talk to the city, but vowed to keep feeding the homeless whether or not a deal is reached.

"I don't know what they have in mind," he added.

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