Passport Program 2nd and 4th Tuesday of each month, 4:30-pm-6:30pm
The CDR has partnered with the Branford Early Childhood Collaborative to bring the "Passport" program to our young guests. On the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of the month, each child between 3 and 8 years old is invited to come along for a journey to learn more about the world through books, crafts, songs and activities. Participants are given a "passport" and for each night they attend, they receive a stamp. Each child who collects 12 stamps will receive a small prize at the end of the 3 month program, and all are invited to a Global celebration at the end. Dinner follows the activities! Thanks to the BECC for bringing an innovative program to the CDR.
North Branford Home Delivery Program
The CDR just launched a home delivery program of nutritious meals to residents in North Branford. This is an extension of our existing home delivery program in Branford and is organized by Alice Lehr and a team of wonderful volunteers (of course). For more info contact Melissa Branch.
Many thanks to all of our friends who supported the CDR at this year's Holiday Shopping Expo, held at the Pine Orchard Club back on December 5th. The event was graciously organized as a fundraiser for the CDR, and resulted in a very generous donation of over $6,000 to the CDR. Our most sincere thanks to all of the organizers and attendees.
Pat Kral, Executive Director of The Community Dining Room was recently presented with the Non-Profit Community Service Award for outstanding achievement by the Branford Chamber of Commerce. Thank you to the Chamber for recognizing the CDR! Also pictured are CDR Board members Cheryl Kaiden, Judy Stebbins, Jayne Nunziante, and Susan Barnes.
Branford’s CDR will be featured on Nick News on Sunday, December 4
Tune in to Nick News on the Nickelodeon channel this Sunday, December 4 at 9:00pm (ET/PT) to watch What’s for Dinner? Hungry Kids in America with Linda Ellerbee. Branford’s Community Dining Room (CDR) Executive Director, Pat Kral, will talk about the challenges many in our community face and how the CDR helps to make a difference. You’ll also hear from many children, such as 14-year-old Shaykia, who says she sometimes goes without meals so her little sisters will have enough to eat. “I just got used to the fact that I can’t eat everything like how I used to,” she says. Don't miss this important program.
Walking for Wellness Meet at the CDR every Wednesday at 11:30am for a brisk 15 minute walk through town before lunch. A great way to work up an appetite, catch up with friends, and take a few steps towards a healthier you!
Friendly Visitor Program
The CDR is launching a “Friendly Visitor” program. Working with our Home Delivery program, the CDR is identifying folks who would enjoy and benefit from a weekly friendly visit. Volunteer visitors are matched with recipients via a simple assessment to identify similar interests and experiences. Visitors are encouraged to visit every week or so with a year commitment. This program provides an important service to the community helping to dispel loneliness and improve quality of life. If you are interested in volunteering or know someone who would like a visitor, please contact Melissa Branch by email or 203-488-0447.
What’s Cookin’ For the latest CDR news, read our newsletter!
Recent Events
Visit our Facebook page for photos of recent events!
BRANFORD ROAD RACE
Thank you to the organizers of the Branford Road Race for including the CDR in their fundraising efforts and running a successful food drive!
Lenny & Joe's Fish Tale
Thank you to Lenny & Joe’s Fish Tale for generously donating proceeds from rides on their magical carousel last Saturday to the CDR.
Many thanks to Francine Sears and her team from Fabrique! The CDR was the recipient of funds from their recent sample sale, which raised over $2400! These funds will be used to sponsor the CDR's 25th Annual Thanksgiving Feast this coming Thanksgiving Day. Please join us at the CDR from 12 noon until 1:30pm for a wonderful meal, courtesy of Fabrique!
CaribBean Night Donovan’s Reef
Thank you to Judy Stebbins and Donovan’s Reef for hosting the Caribbean-themed dinner for the CDR. A great time was had by all, as you can see from the photos!
On April 22nd, the CDR hosted a dinner at Owenego Inn to thank the dedicated volunteers that make our work possible. We were so pleased to share a lovely evening of food and fun with our friends and supporters. Thank you for your service these past 25 years, we look forward to working side by side for many more years. Thank you also to Owenego for sharing their beautiful banquet space with us. Photo by John Vanacore/The Sound/Shore Publishing, LLC.
7th annual Shoreline Walkathon Over 200 people braved cloudy skies to participate in the 7th annual Shoreline Walkathon to benefit the Community Dining Room. Families, friends, children, and dogs strolled a scenic 2-mile route through Pawson Park, lead by Grand Marshall Keith Bishop of Bishop's Orchards and his granddaughter Grace. May 8th was also declared "Children Feeding Children Day" in the Town of Branford by First Selectman Anthony "Unk" DaRos recognizing the Dining Room's commitment to providing children and families with nutritious meals. The 7th annual walk helped raise over $7,000 for the CDR's programs and services.
THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS
The Community Dining Room took members of the Branford Chamber of Commerce on a journey through the looking-glass on March 30, 2010. The Business After Hours event saw Pat Kral and members of the CDR's Board of Directors dressed in full Alice in Wonderland costume and attendees were treated to wonderful food and festivities. Thanks to all who attended and to all of the CDR volunteers who made the evening so special.
Annual Events
The Community Dining Room offers several annual family-friendly events:
MOTHER'S DAY WEEKEND Shoreline Walkathon
Gather your family and friends for this annual event held at the beautiful Owenego Inn in the Pawson Park section of Branford. Each year hundreds of people walk together to raise funds to support the CDR!
WEEKENDS IN OCTOBER Make Your Own Scarecrow
Join us at Bishops Orchards each weekend in October - including Columbus Day - through Halloween to make your own Scarecrow!
OCTOBER Rocktoberfest
Enjoy a night of music, food and dancing each October at the Owenego Inn during our Rocktoberfest Fundraiser!
Celebrating 25 Years of Service
Visit the CDR blog for news,
photos, menus & more!
Passport Program
The CDR has partnered with the Branford Early Childhood Collaborative to bring the "Passport" program to our young guests on the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of each month, 4:30-pm-6:30pm. Click here for more information!
North Branford Home Delivery Program
The CDR just launched a home delivery program of nutritious meals to residents in North Branford. Click here for more information!
Save the Date for the 9th annual Shoreline Walkathon to benefit the Community Dining Room. The walk will be held April 21st. More details TBA soon.
JOB OPENING
The CDR is now hiring for the position of part-time Kitchen Coordinator. We are seeking a well-organized "people person" who knows the basics of cooking and is able to lift 30+ pounds. The position is approximately 18 hours per week over 3 days. If interested, please email a resume or work history to Pat Kral. No calls please.
