On Saturday, July 20th from 11 AM to 2 PM, GMCC hosted our very first Community Picnic outside of our facility. Staff, partners, program participants, neighbors, and other community members were invited to this event to have a free meal and engage in games, meaningful conversation, and learn about GMCC’s work.
The Community Picnic set up in GMCC’s back parking lot
Vanessa Harrison, GMCC’s newly hired Individual Donor & Relationship Manager, was the primary person responsible for planning and executing the first-time event. The idea originated as a Pancake Breakfast, then changed to a Spaghetti Dinner, but after several conversations about logistics & timing, it evolved into a picnic/lunch event.
Vanessa Harrison with a friend who attended the picnic
“I had a vision for what we wanted to accomplish – to create relationships within our community and educate people about what GMCC does. We felt the best place was to create a communal place for people to come in and get to know each other in a relaxed setting,” said Vanessa. “We wanted an opportunity for people to come out and have fun while breaking bread together. We hoped to bring light to the work that we do here at GMCC, as well as to our clientele, who are just as important.”
Sign on the corner of Lake & 11th
GMCC took time to invite everybody involved in our community, from the participants of our Friday Drop-in Center and Somali Recovery Care program, to families from our youth program, and to donors & funders. The intention was to bring together groups that don’t usually interact in an organic, non-invasive way. We sent out mass mailers & emails, made individual phone calls, and distributed flyers at our programming to make sure the word got out about the event.
GMCC full-time and part-time staff members and volunteers
The biggest draw for people was the free food, which was provided by local restaurants Moroccan Flavors and Soul Bowl. Moroccan Flavors is located in the Midtown Global Market, right down the street from GMCC, and is owned by a parent of one of our regular youth participants. The food was provided at a 30% discount, and included chicken tagine, saffron rice, potato salad, and various roasted vegetables. Soul Bowl, a modern soul food spot local to Minneapolis, graciously donated enough food for 100 guests. Dishes included vegan options such as jalapeno poppers, corn bread, and vegan chicken nuggets.
GMCC staff serving food from Soul Bowl and Moroccan Flavors
“This food is amazing!” – Guest
We also had various activities and games for all ages. Kids and adults were invited to make bubbles, draw with sidewalk chalk, play parachute games, throw a football, and get free balloons. Karen Linner from First Covenant Church volunteered and ran a game where guests picked a random lollipop and won extra prizes if they picked one with colors on the bottom.
Families playing various games
Volunteer from First Covenant Church running the lollipop game
“I had so much fun!”
Program participant playing with bubbles
A total of 150 people came to the event, many of them familiar faces from the GMCC community. We also made some new connections with some Midtown Phillips neighbors who walked by, wanted to see what was going on, and ended up staying to hang out. Lizard Lady, from our partner organization Sanctuary Supply Depot, stopped by and even brought out some of her lizards for people to hold!
Lizard Lady from Sanctuary Supply Depot with her lizard
Vanessa stated that a challenge for her was having to be creative and create a space where our clients, many who are from vulnerable populations, felt welcome and not unsafe. “But I would say it was a success because of the turnout and everyone was having great conversations, enjoying the food, and those who couldn’t stay still made a point to show up and participate as long as we could”, Vanessa declared. “Next time, we will make it even better by starting the planning process earlier”.
GMCC youth staffer Juan helping with bubbles
“Will there be one next year?”
Vanessa, and GMCC, envision the Community Picnic as an annual event that evolves every year. Community members can also expect more one-time events throughout the year in 2025.
Lastly, this event would not have been possible without our generous volunteers. Thank you so much to our Recovery Care participants/clients from Access Healing Center for helping set up and tear down, and to GMCC board member Andre Florez who volunteered as well!
GMCC staff and volunteers
Another special shoutout to Comcast for officially sponsoring this event.
See you next year and have a great rest of the summer!
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