Boston Scenes 8/24/17 Community Tables
Dudley dinner event serves up community and delicious summer fare to over 400 guests On Saturday, August 12, as feelings of fear, unease, anger and concern ripped across the country following the White Supremacy gathering and the murder of Heather Heyer in Charlottesville, a group of people in Roxbury gathered for an annual community event with a different goal: to enjoy a meal with friends, family, and other community members from different walks of life. Over 400 people were in attendance from all over the city, coming together to enjoy a “pay-what-you-can” feast at Haley House’s Fifth Annual Outdoor “Community Tables” Dinner, held in the parking lot of the bakery cafe. Much of the produce was sourced from and donated by local farms, including Haley House’s own Thornton Urban Farm in Highland Park (Roxbury). The event began with music from the JP Honk Band and a dance performance by Afrobeats Dance Boston. Fulani Haynes, host of Haley House’s Saturday evening Community Tables dinner every week at Haley House Bakery Cafe, kept the crowd entertained, along with DJ Shamara Rhodes. Children enjoyed face-painting and other family friendly activities. Strangers became friends as everyone ate, danced, and laughed. The evening culminated in line dancing and delicious Toscanini’s ice cream. Haley House Chefs Ricardo Monroy, Michael Cooley, and Trevor Brannigan prepared the meal with the help of many wonderful volunteers.