Open Table at the Cummings Foundation Gala

Wednesday evening, June 6, Open Table Grant Writer, Jen Kelly, and Co-Chair of the Board of Directors, Deena Whitfield, attended the celebration for the $100,000 Cummings Foundation grant recipients. The gala was not only an acknowledgment of these transformational donations, but also a salute to the 100 small non-profits throughout Massachusetts that provide vital services to its residents.

Of the many organizations that submitted pre-applications, 600 were invited to apply, and 100 were selected for the grant. Jen and Deena met with the committee of four who reviewed the applications for those organizations dealing with food insecurity. They advised that they looked for organizations that met their mission, that were sustainable, and that used their funds appropriately; Open Table came out #1. They also congratulated Jen on the exceptionally well-written grant application.

Wearing Chiquita banana fruit hats designed by volunteer and former Board member, Carol Antos, Deena and Jen were easily recognizable among the crowd of recipients and reviewers and even got their picture taken with Bill Cummings.

It was quite a night!