Adam likes to take a moment to thank everyone for attending and to remind them to donate to the band. He also likes sharing how the dinners started and why they’re so important.
>> Fund-raising needed Schluter continues to emphasize that it’s never been and never will be about the money. “It’s all about the joy of building community,” he said. “I don’t make one penny.” That said, money does help, espe- cially with ongoing home mainte- nance and keeping the city of Coeur d’Alene happy. He said he has the best neighbors, and city officials have also “been nothing but great.” But there is concern that 16 dinners a year — complete with hundreds of guests and live music — might be getting too big for the neighborhood. Guests are already encouraged to park at Midtown Market in order to keep streets clear.
“It’s nice to see these come to- gether,” he said. “People need them. There’s always a place for everyone.” Kauffmann especially likes how conversations focus on getting to know each other, and not get hijacked by divisive topics like politics. “A lot of topics are supposed to be left outside the door,” he said. “Peo- ple don’t have to feel like they’re be- ing judged.” Some guests on social media have shared that their experience was like Schluter’s: they were new to Koote- nai County, didn’t know anyone, and heard about the dinners and wanted to connect. Now they are happy to at- tend and invite others. “Everyone who has come to these, especially in the beginning, has said, ‘I need these too – let’s keep them go- ing,’” Schluter said.
main meal, but everyone should bring a side dish. • Bring at least $10 per person, which goes entirely to the band. (There’s a separate GoFundMe for general meal/event costs.) • Break out of your bubbles and in- troduce yourself to others. Good con- versations are encouraged but stay away from politics or business. Put away your cell phone, too. • Stick around for the photo. Each dinner brings newcomers, plus regular guests. Birthdays are always celebrated, and one of the dinners this summer even included a marriage proposal between two regulars. Matt Kauffmann was one of the early guests and continues to attend. He’s now part of the “army of volun- teers” who jump in and help make the dinners happen.
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