The Longest Table 2024
This annual event brings together people for dinner and powerful conversations about our community.
THIS EVENT IS SOLD OUT!
Everyone is welcome at our table.
Gathering for meals is a beloved custom around the world. And no matter our differences - where we grew up, how much money we have, or the color of our skin - we all need to feel welcome and included. When we eat together – we connect and share in the joy of being. Our need to be seen, known and belong is satisfied. In a world of disconnection, there is no more powerful place than the shared meal.
Everyone, high school age and up, is welcome.
Social hour begins at 5 pm. Dinner served at 6 pm. Formal conversations end at 8, with space available to continue until 8:30 pm.
LOCATION
- The dinner will be held inside the Rouse Company Foundation (RCF) building in the cafe on the first floor. Social hour will be held on the patio outside the cafe, weather permitting (indoors in case of inclement weather).
- See parking info in the FAQs below.
MENU
All the food is Halal. The vegan meal is Kosher. See the menu in the FAQs below. We're offering boxed meals this year to help us operate more efficiently and give you more time for conversation.
NEW! This year, the Friends will have a book exchange table at the event. Bring a favorite used book and leave it at our table, and then take one home that someone else has shared.
NEW! We will be collecting non-perishable food and personal care product donations for HCC’s Vivian C. “Millie” and William Harrison Bailey Food Pantry, which serves between 400-500 students monthly. Most needed items include: spices, cooking oils, baking mixes, whole grain cereal (ideally low in added sugar and sodium), shelf-stable dairy alternatives, hygiene items (deodorant, body wash, shampoo/conditioner, toothpaste, toothbrushes), household items (paper towels, cleaning wipes, dish soap, laundry soap), and shelf-stable fruit, vegetables, and proteins. Thank you for your support of HCC students as they pursue their academic goals!
T-SHIRT SALES
A limited number of T-shirts will be for sale during social hour for $15 (cash, check, or credit card).
SPONSORS and PARTNERS
Presented in partnership with Howard Community College and Leadership Howard County
- Platinum Sponsor: Friends & Foundation of Howard County Library System
- Gold Sponsor: Columbia Association
- Silver Sponsor: Howard Hughes Corporation
- In-Kind Sponsor: Howard Community College
- Media Sponsor: Columbia Inspired
*To enhance the experience of getting to know different people, guests will not be seated with their companions.
*Want to join but that's not in the budget right now? Email communityengagement@hclibrary.org to get free tickets.
This annual event brings together people for dinner and powerful conversations about our community.
THIS EVENT IS SOLD OUT!
Everyone is welcome at our table.
Gathering for meals is a beloved custom around the world. And no matter our differences - where we grew up, how much money we have, or the color of our skin - we all need to feel welcome and included. When we eat together – we connect and share in the joy of being. Our need to be seen, known and belong is satisfied. In a world of disconnection, there is no more powerful place than the shared meal.
Everyone, high school age and up, is welcome.
Social hour begins at 5 pm. Dinner served at 6 pm. Formal conversations end at 8, with space available to continue until 8:30 pm.
LOCATION
- The dinner will be held inside the Rouse Company Foundation (RCF) building in the cafe on the first floor. Social hour will be held on the patio outside the cafe, weather permitting (indoors in case of inclement weather).
- See parking info in the FAQs below.
MENU
All the food is Halal. The vegan meal is Kosher. See the menu in the FAQs below. We're offering boxed meals this year to help us operate more efficiently and give you more time for conversation.
NEW! This year, the Friends will have a book exchange table at the event. Bring a favorite used book and leave it at our table, and then take one home that someone else has shared.
NEW! We will be collecting non-perishable food and personal care product donations for HCC’s Vivian C. “Millie” and William Harrison Bailey Food Pantry, which serves between 400-500 students monthly. Most needed items include: spices, cooking oils, baking mixes, whole grain cereal (ideally low in added sugar and sodium), shelf-stable dairy alternatives, hygiene items (deodorant, body wash, shampoo/conditioner, toothpaste, toothbrushes), household items (paper towels, cleaning wipes, dish soap, laundry soap), and shelf-stable fruit, vegetables, and proteins. Thank you for your support of HCC students as they pursue their academic goals!
T-SHIRT SALES
A limited number of T-shirts will be for sale during social hour for $15 (cash, check, or credit card).
SPONSORS and PARTNERS
Presented in partnership with Howard Community College and Leadership Howard County
- Platinum Sponsor: Friends & Foundation of Howard County Library System
- Gold Sponsor: Columbia Association
- Silver Sponsor: Howard Hughes Corporation
- In-Kind Sponsor: Howard Community College
- Media Sponsor: Columbia Inspired
*To enhance the experience of getting to know different people, guests will not be seated with their companions.
*Want to join but that's not in the budget right now? Email communityengagement@hclibrary.org to get free tickets.