Chef Gus Kelly got his friend and fellow Chef Bob Ilk involved when his health started failing, ensuring that quality of feast would continue for thousands of people in need of comfort on Christmas

Milwaukee (CBS 58)-Things are quickly coming to a boil at the Wisconsin Center in Downtown Milwaukee as volunteers with the Salvation Army are in the final stages of preparing the Christmas Family Feast. 

Head Chef Bob Ilk was busy handing out instructions to the cooks. Some of whom are first timers and have never had professional training.

The turkeys were piled high and things are coming together as they have for years.

Ilk has been running the kitchen for five years.

He was brought into the event by his friend and Chef Gus Kelly.

Kelly got him involved when his health started failing.

"I'm following in his footsteps which are pretty big," Chef Ilk. Kelly was a very, very good chef and a longtime educator in culinary arts. Very good person. Just a very good guy."

Everyone is invited to the FREE family feast on Christmas starting at 11 a.m. until 2:30 p.m.

At least 10,000 are expected to take part.

There will be entertainment and a visit from Santa for the kids.