“In 40 years, we’ve never missed a meal. Every day, including COVID,” declared Shepherd’s Table Board Chair Torey Carter-Conneen as the nonprofit celebrated its 40 years of service to those in need Wednesday.
Shepherd’s Table at Progress Place in Silver Spring assists those who are food insecure or homeless through its many social services programs. It aims to create a path for its clients to gain self-sufficiency.
“We provide food and empower people,” Carter-Conneen said.
“Everything that is done at Shepherd’s Table is done with compassion and treating every single person who walks in the door with dignity,” declared County Councilmember Kate Stewart.
“It is truly a gift you give to the community in the way you serve,” said Stewart, who has volunteered with Shepherd’s Table both with her husband and with her council staff.
The event was held at the Silver Spring Civic Center and featured a fall cornucopia on each table. Attendees receive a free plant and Shepherd’s Table red apron.
During 2022, staff and volunteers at Shepherd’s Table served 17,913 breakfasts, 21,327 lunches, 22,745 dinners and 13,396 weekend brunches.
Its resource center filled 233 prescriptions, enabled 11,735 people to log in to an email account, provided 28 lawyer referrals and distributed 234 blankets.
888 people shopped at its clothing closet and 247 people had eye exams.
Several people in attendance participated in its founding, which began when a group of interfaith clergy joined together to provide meals for the needy.
Since then, the group has served more than 2 million means and now averages about 150 clients a day. It has seen a 38% increase in the number of daily meals served during the first six months of this year.
The evening fundraiser featured an auction. Items ranged from vacation stays to boat cruise and Capitals tickets.
Lunch for four with U.S. Rep. Jamie Raskin, who spoke of his appreciation for the organization, went for $3,000.
Today's the day! We're just hours away from our 40th anniversary event.
We can't wait to see you there. pic.twitter.com/uVp6M6vTPO— Shepherd's Table (@shepherds_table) October 18, 2023
During a silent auction to raise money for Shepherd's Table, someone just bid $3,000 for lunch for 4 with Rep. Jamie Raskin. The nonprofit is celebrating 40 years of helping and feeding the needy.
@mymcmedia @RepRaskin— suzanne pollak (@SuzannePollak) October 19, 2023
