The Smiths were very moved and inspired by the
outpouring of compassion and strength as the nation began to grieve and heal in the
aftermath of September 11, 2001. Jeff, Barbara, and their two sons, like many other
American families, wanted to contribute to our country, but were unsure what to do.
They watched as their friends and neighbors developed a sense of national pride and
became more active in their communities. Everyday life seemed a little sweeter for
a while. Then, one day, everything went back to normal again. What happened?
Invite Your Neighbor to Dinner Day was born from the desire to develop a task that
every American could easily accomplish. For one day out of the year, neighbors invite
other not-so-familiar neighbors to have dinner with them, and eventually, friendships
are formed to increase the strength of our communities. It seems simple, yet remarkably
profound. These small gestures can directly influence individuals to make a difference
in their own lives, while improving communities, and initiating a ripple of trust
across the nation.
Naturally, the Smiths could not keep this extraordinary concept to themselves. In
2002, a close friend, Bob Schultz, contacted the Smiths to see how they were doing.
Bob was instantly inspired by the idea of Dinner Day and made it known that he wanted
to participate in any way that he could. Thus, a team was formed.
Today, members from both Bucks and Delaware counties in Pennsylvania gather each
week to discuss the following year's Dinner Day celebration. Jeff and Barbara's oldest
son, Joshua, 17, decided to promote Invite Your Neighbor to Dinner Day for his high
school graduation project in 2004. Other high school cronies, including some faculty
members, became involved with the program. And the team grew.
It soon came to everyone's attention that the Dinner Day arm needed to be extended
beyond the team's reach. The group requested that State Representative Vitali (Delaware
County) co-sponsor a resolution with State Representative McIlhinney (Bucks County)
to declare the second Saturday in January as Invite Your Neighbor to Dinner Day in
Pennsylvania. Letters were written. Phone calls were made. At long last, on October
23, 2002, House Resolution No. 723 was passed. However, this is only one hurdle that
the team has triumphantly overcome.
Many more challenges await the dedicated members of the Dinner Day coordination team.
Each individual sees a common vision of a national holiday, celebrated annually on
the second Saturday in January, and spreading to all corners of America. The team
intends to seek further resolutions, corporate sponsorships, and endorsements to
help broadcast the benefits of this new holiday and turn the dream into a reality.
Questions? Comments? Suggestions?
Please e-mail info@dinnerday.com.
