15 Dec Gather Round the Table Celebrates a Full Year of Service
In November 2024, one of Pawling’s newest not-for-profits, Gather Round the Table, hosted its first meal in celebration of the Thanksgiving holiday. In the year since this initial event, Gather Round the Table has hosted six successful meal events (including two events during this most recent holiday season) serving more than 600 hot, nutritious meals to children, seniors, low-income families, and homebound community members across our local community.
Aside from the Thanksgiving and Christmas events in November and December of 2024, in 2025 GRT held a springtime event called “Spring Fling” and a summer Bar-B-Que, all taking place at Lakeside Park in the Lathrop Center. Each event, growing in popularity and attendance, built upon a developing communal connection with others. A team of 125 enthusiastic and dedicated volunteers served those who dined communally, as well as provided meal delivery within the community or arranged for pick-up service. Through their efforts, GRT has succeeded splendidly!
GRT is an all-volunteer organization, with 100% of grants and support going directly toward operation and food expenditures. It pays no administrative expenses or salaries; and event space and utilities are provided gratis in support of GRT’s important mission. Partnerships with community organizations, businesses, local and county governments, churches, and schools have helped to educate and create awareness.
Deb Muroski, GRT’s founder and board president, was quick to simplify the organizations focus. “Our goal is to build a healthy community by connecting people to food. We provide meals at no cost to our community and strive to reduce the effects that food insecurity, social isolation and limited means have on families and individuals. GRT does not discriminate. We gladly and warmly welcome all who come through our doors!” She continued, “Kindness, compassion, and respect are the three words that are at the very heart of Gather Round the Table’s success. Together, we can ensure that no one in our community goes hungry — or eats alone. I am so very grateful to everyone in Pawling who has stood with us and has helped us build a stronger, more compassionate community.”
Assisting Ms. Muroski in planning and executing meal events is her board of directors, as well as an active committee of community members well known for having a positive impact in Pawling. Those names include Coleen Snow, Medina Khalil, Michael Alexander, Chris Fisher, Laurie Taylor, Wendel Weber, Grace and Mark Huber, and Patricia Rusch Bellucci.
Gather Round the Table is a 501c3 charitable organization. Information about
upcoming events as well as volunteer and support opportunities may be found on its
website: gatherroundthetable.org.
–by Susan Stone