While studying in Paris, in 2005, our daughter Mari attended a social event that may prove to be life changing to our family here in Pittsburgh. She called as she walked home from a dinner party hosted by an American living in Paris "Mom you must meet this guy and tell all your flight attendant friends...you willl just love it." So the next time I was in Paris I did just that.
I met Jim_Haynes, 75, Louisana born author, actor, entrepreneur and world citizen, and he had quite a story to tell. Every Sunday for the past 30 years he has hosted a dinner party in his home. People email to reserve a place and make a contribution to help defray the cost of the meal. He estimates that over the years, approximately 120,000 have attended. A few weeks later I was able to schedule a Sunday layover in Paris and experienced a facinating evening of dinner and conversation. So on March 27, 2009 I made a decision to attempt to bring this concept of friends, food and good company to Pittsburgh. It's something I felt destined to do. Sunday Night Dinner Pittsburgh will be held at our home the last Sunday of every month.
The following day, March 28, 2009, my horoscope read as follows: "Become part of your community or local scene. Your home or neighborhood could become the center for social functions or activity. Lend a helping hand to a new acquaintance or network close to home."