Annual dinner goes virtual to discuss issues in Michiana

ST.JOSEPH COUNTY, Ind.-- Community members in Michiana will come together virtually over a meal to discuss issues and create an action plan.

The event first started in South Bend six years ago. This year because of COVID-19 restrictions, only 50 people are allowed to attend the event in-person at the Double Tree Hotel. But, it will be live-streamed online for those who want to take part in the discussion.

“We also have live chats and group discussions that will be going on in break out rooms in the virtual celebration, so that people can give their input as well and we can collect their data,” said Marla Godette, a founding mentor with Mentoring Moments

Godette first brought the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s America’s Sunday Supper to South Bend in 2016 after learning about it from her mentor. It’s a global event through the Points of Light Foundation, a volunteer organization started by the Bush administration.

It connects people over dinner to discuss issues affecting the community and encourages round table talks to create a plan. The first supper in South Bend was held at Monroe Circle Community Center with only 35 people.

This year’s event will be different than in previous years, but, organizer Godette said they’re expecting over 200 people to attend virtually. Topics will range from the homeless population to implicit biases training and racial injustice.

“We’re not just meeting to meet. We’re going to get this information and all year we’re going to do this work,” Godette said.

To register go here or email Marla Godette at  [email protected] .  The event starts today at  2 p.m.