Welcome to Grace Diner!

 

 

What:    Free meals for the Culver City community

Where:  Grace Church Parish Hall

When:   Monday evenings, 4:30-6:00

Who:    Anyone who would like to dine, especially those in need

 

About Grace Diner:
 

Grace Diner opened in Sept. 2009 and has served food every Monday night since then, including holidays.  It began when our church council took action after hearing how we could help the local "under-served" community.  We were aware that many families and individuals were having a rough time making ends meet.  The folks we were talking about were facing difficulty, and many have two jobs, but a free meal once a week would be appreciated. 

We decided to have tables with cloth table cloths and napkins, silverware and some sort of hard dishes (as opposed to paper plates).  There are even centerpieces with candles.  When the guests arrive, they are greeted by Grace Elliott and Charlie Bader.  Most are greeted by name and a warm "Hello, it's nice to see you again!"  Between Charlie's friendliness and Grace's ability to make everyone feel special when they arrive, it is a good start to the evening.

When guests get upstairs, they are invited to sit down and are served the beverage of their choice.  When ready, they are served a salad, and are then served a 3-course dinner comprised of a protein, starch and vegetable.  After dinner there is always coffee and dessert.  Between courses the waiters clear dishes and serve the guests.

Grace Diner now serves about 50 sit down and 10-15 take out meals every week.  We estimate that we have served over 6,000 meals at no cost to any of the participants.

Possibly more important than the food is the fellowship between our volunteers (12 to 15 per week) and the diners.  It is like a family upstairs.  Many of the diners talk to us about their problems and their good times.  Lisa Skelley runs the wait staff and she knows every diner who comes each week by name.  We have birthday parties for volunteers and diners alike.  We have drawings for Christmas, Mother's Day, and even a surprise drawing once in awhile.  We have an Anniversary BBQ downstairs outside each September and give prizes to those who have attended the most times, etc.  We always give out candy at Easter and will give each lady a rose on Valentine's day.

How can people help?  Obviously as the dinners are provided for free Grace Diner must raise money somehow.  We appreciate donations of any size.  Checks can be made out to Grace Church with a notation that they are for Grace Diner, or they can be made out directly to Grace Diner.  We have applied for and gotten several grants from the ELCA domestic food program and are currently making an application to become a separate non-profit entity so we may have access to non church related funds.

Volunteers are also very welcome and appreciated, and can sign up for a number of positions.  Volunteers are generally needed for staggered shifts between 3:30 and 6:30.  Please contact Lisa Skelley for more information:  

graceculver@sbcglobal.net

We hope to see you at Grace Diner!  Everyone is welcome.