Ever notice how food brings people together?
Every year my family gets together for Thanksgiving. 28+ of us sit down together and share stories and laughter. But what is truly amazing is how far we all travel to be together; most of us live in Michigan & Colorado, others hail from Texas, Montana, New York, and Illinois.
Nothing is more enticing than a family potluck gourmet feast and Gram’s famous green jello pudding! There is something magical about working together to feed the family and how it never fails in filling the room with happiness and an appreciation for each other.
Last week we had a Friendsgiving potluck.
ChallengeDetroit.org
We all came together to celebrate each other and our new found friendships. What better way to say “thank you” than with a home made raspberry cheese cake? Taking the time to prepare a meal and gathering with your friends builds a friendship and strong support group.
Our first challenge with Challenge Detroit was with Bleeding Heart Design (bleedingheartdesign.org), a community arts organization, we worked with Rebecca Willis, the founder, to help unite and empower the community through art and activities. On our final day Challenge Detroit and Bleeding Heart Design hosted a neighborhood BBQ with live jazz, arts and crafts, a jump house, and free BBQ. The neighborhood turnout was a success.
Our BBQ put smiles on so many faces, and filled the neighborhood with laughter. I spent my evening dancing, sharing great food, and making s’mores and new friends. Events like this don’t happen in Lindale Gardens and Rebecca saw the potential an event like this had in unifying the community and improving their quality of life. I too saw the power of food and bringing people together, building support for a greater cause and a better future.
Eastern Market, need I say more?
Detroiteasternmarket.com
Detroit’s Estern Market is another wonderful, magical place where food brings people together from all walks of life. It’s an experience that sparks intrigue, engages all the senses, fuels excitement, and hums with energy. I love the Eastern Market because I feel the pulse of the city and the great future we all have ahead of us.
Below are some food programs to which you can donate and provide a meal to someone in need. By donating you share your love and support and can give them an experience that builds friendships and a chance for a better future:
Gleeners Community Food Bank of South East Michigan: gcfb.org
Forgotten Harvest: Driving Hunger from Detroit metropolitan community:forgottenharvest.org
Michigan food banks and soup kitchens: homelessshelterdirectory.org/cgi-bin/id/opensearchfb.cgi?city=Detroit&state=MI