January Newsletter — A PLACE AT THE TABLE

Hello friends!

“Faith is taking the first step even when you don't see the whole staircase.” -Martin Luther King, Jr.

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day always inspires me. I am reminded of how amazing our changemakers are, how incredible our community is, and how great each one of you is! I am so thankful to have the opportunity to follow in his footsteps and be a part of leading a change in our city with each of you- a change that many new friends are also doing in many other cities across the country.

MLK Day fell right after I lived 4 days of inspiration with some of my favorite people. Josh, Andrew, and I, along with 5 board members flew down, to New Orleans for the One World Everybody Eats Conference, a conference that allows for all of us pay-what-you-can cafes to come together for a weekend. As we walked into the hotel, we immediately ran into new friends from Boone, Philly, and many other great cities. For four days, we workshopped together, shared ideas about what worked and what didn't work, and answered questions to support the many start-up cafes opening in the next few years. We enjoyed gumbo & jambalaya together, drank bourbon on Bourbon St, and sulked with the rest of the city as the Saints lost the big game Sunday. There were over 30-40 people looking to start cafes in their towns. They may be incorporating as nonprofits this year, fundraising in year 4 so they can officially open or may be in year 6 and not giving up, but these people, y’all, are some of the most inspiring people you have ever met. They are dreamers, believers, and go-getters. They are lovers of people, inclusive to their bones, and are going to the end of the world to feed our hungry friends. They may not see the whole staircase yet, but they are pretty darn close. Faith, like MLK Jr. says, is taking that first step. And they did it.

For me, it is so cool to see fellow dreamers, believers, and doers. I think it is pretty ironic that it falls on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day..just saying.

And what is even cooler? That you stepped out on faith to believe in my dream. Thank you for believing that we would see the whole staircase one day because that staircase is the best one I've climbed.

I hope to see you at the table soon.

With gratitude,

Maggie Kane
Executive Director

The coolest thing about us going away to New Orleans is that our staff and volunteers rocked it back home at the cafe. Secret: Josh, Andrew, and I have never left altogether. Our team is so good. It is unreal.