May 12, 2015 marks The Chicago Community Trust’s 100th year of service to the region. The Trust invites you to join us in celebrating this milestone by coming together to have a conversation about community and the ways we can, and do, give our time, talents and treasure by participating in On the Table 2015. 

On the Table 2015 will bring together thousands of residents from across the region in small groups to break bread and share stories of commitment to their communities and inspire their friends, neighbors and colleagues to take action to improve the lives of others. During the inaugural On the Table event last year, nearly 11,500 residents shared their ideas and sounded a call for more collaboration, commitment and civic engagement throughout our region. This year’s mealtime conversations are designed to answer that call and spark a movement to inspire even more residents to get involved to enhance the quality of life in the region now and for future generations.

‘During On the Table 2015, we are asking participants to share the stories of how they are already making a difference and improving our communities, as well as to explore how they work collectively or independently to inspire others to do the same,’ said Terry Mazany, president and CEO of The Chicago Community Trust. ‘Our Centennial vision is ambitious. We want to spark a civic movement that will make the Chicagoland region the most philanthropic in the nation – On the Table is an important step toward this goal.’ 

You can participate in On the Table 2015 by hosting a conversation in your neighborhood. The topic of conversation should address the needs of your community, as defined by what’s brought to the table. The event can be anything from coffee with cookies to a five-course feast discussing the park around the corner or high school down the street – it’s entirely up to each group.

On the Table is only the start of the Trust’s Centennial celebration. The Trust intends to celebrate philanthropy – the giving of time, treasure or talent – all year long, beginning with this series of mealtime conversations and continuing by celebrating the charitable work that happens as a result.

Become a part of On the Table by hosting a conversation. For more information visit www.onthetable.com to register, use our host toolkit and find tips on how to plan your event. We invite you to join the larger conversation using the hashtag #onthetable2015.

Let’s all work together to make the Humboldt Park community and the Chicagoland region a little better – one meal at a time.