When members of the Women’s Literary Club held their luncheon meeting at the Friendship Table in Bradford, it was the first time the organization had done so — and they rather enjoyed it.
During the noon meeting, which included a variety of food and desserts for club members, the Table also received a donation of over $300 from the organization.
Barbara Shufran, chairperson of the Table, is also a member of the literary club and had arranged the gathering with Karen Jackson, club president. The theme of the luncheon was patriotism, with tables decorated with red, white and blue items.
“During the meeting, we showed a short video of the Friendship Table, it was past, present and future” information on the Table, Shufran said, while adding the club’s donation was appreciated.
“We solely rely on support from the community to keep the doors open,” Shufran stated.
For her part, Jackson said the literary club is over 125 years old and participates in many community events and charities. Jackson said the funds provided to the Table were raised through the members’ donations. The club has approximately 45 to 50 members, she added.
“We do more than just read books,” Jackson said. “We have a philanthropy day, with the last one held for CASA, the advocacy (group) for children. We raised over $600 just in the last month to give to CASA.”
The club also raises funds for local students, with four $500 scholarships given out last year.
“We do all kinds of things” in the community, she added. “We have members who do programs, and a variety of other things.”
She said the group’s luncheon at the Table helped shed light on the needs of the facility, which provides hot meals and fellowship to all who are in need.
“The idea was to get (the club members) down here to see the facility and hear and learn about it — and possibly develop an interest to become a part of it,” Jackson said, noting club members also volunteer for other entities including Meals on Wheels.
On another note, Jackson said she and the club members enjoyed the meal, which had a choice of spaghetti and meatballs, chicken, home fries, fish and salads. Dessert included blueberry cobbler and tapioca pudding.
Shufran said the Table is open to other clubs or organizations that want to gather at the East Corydon Street facility for lunch or meetings.
“Any groups, organizations or clubs in town that have monthly meetings, we would love for them to come here,” Shufran said. “We can definitely serve them lunch and they could have their meeting here, too.”
She said donations from the visiting organizations would be welcome and very helpful to the Table.
“All they have to do is give us a quick call and we’ll fit them in our schedule,” Shufran concluded.
For more information, contact the Table weekdays at 362-6658.
