The Open Tables Love Banquet is returning for the second year this Saturday, inviting the homeless and those in recovery to sit down together for a catered meal.
The event launched last year with 250 attendees, exceeding the expectations of organizers and supporters. Groups from several local recovery groups and shelters brought attendees to come together with one goal — to feel loved.
Local revivalist and author Brandi Caldewell Harris, one of the event organizers, can remember what it felt like to need love and support.
“The idea goes back to when I was in jail and had an encounter with God,” Harris said. “My thought was I wish everyone knew when they came out of the trenches how loved they are.”
Participants will have the opportunity to sit down together for a meal, have their picture taken at a photo booth, hear testimonies, and win door prizes.
“Last year, we had people from Teen Challenge, Friends of Sinners, Fresh Start, homeless shelters, and the streets join us,” Harris said. “I remember looking at the back of the church and seeing the line out the door — people kept coming.”
Harris said it would be impossible to pull off an event like this without a big team of contributors. From the event sponsor, True North Treatment Center, to the table sponsors and prize contributors, local businesses, and volunteers have come together to make this year even better.
Local artist Laurie McNab created an art piece specifically for this night, and caterer Maria Kelly is back to prepare the meal.
“It really got me how everyone was talking about how loved they felt as soon as they walked in the door. I could not believe it. There were not any words. My earnest prayer is that love would win our city and state and that love would spread like wildfire,” Harris said.
Open Tables Love Banquet will be held at RiverTree Church at 600 Salem Drive this Saturday. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. and the meal starts at 6. There is no cost to attend.
