Nurturing Connections Through Culinary Diplomacy: Our Seat at the Table Partners with Second Nurture for their Annual Fundraising Gala

Our Seat at the Table is thrilled to announce our partnership with Second Nurture for their annual fundraising gala on May 2nd at the Skirball Cultural Center in Los Angeles. This event not only supports foster children and their families but also exemplifies the essence of one of our four key pillars - culinary diplomacy – using food as a catalyst for cross-cultural understanding and cooperation.

Meet Second Nurture: a nonprofit organization dedicated to creating circles of compassion and support for foster families, ensuring they are held, resilient, and successful. Their commitment to providing resources and opportunities for both children and parents aligns perfectly with our values at Our Seat at the Table. 

Under the leadership of Executive Director Rabbi Susan Silverman and Affiliate Director Samara Hutman, Second Nurture is making a tangible difference in the lives of foster families. Rabbi Silverman's personal experience growing up in a family that fostered children, coupled with her own journey as an adoptive parent, brings a deep understanding and passion to their mission.

Each year, Second Nurture holds a gala to gather support for their many different initiatives in caring for their foster participants – including funding for cohorts, support networks, and other resources provided year round. This year's gala promises to be a night to remember, featuring the premiere of the student-made film "She Is Us: The Story of Judge Songhai Armstead." This powerful documentary, crafted by Muslim foster students in a Second Nurture cohort, celebrates the remarkable journey of Judge Songhai Armstead, the first Black president of UCLA School of Law.

Judge Armstead's story is one of resilience and determination, highlighting the transformative power of education and mentorship. From her humble beginnings as a foster child to her groundbreaking achievements in the legal field, Judge Armstead's journey inspires us all to strive for excellence and justice.

As part of our partnership with Second Nurture, Our Seat at the Table will be creating custom mugs for sponsors with a hot chocolate mix and nutmeg milk mix inside. These mugs serve as a symbol of warmth and hospitality, inviting guests to indulge in the comfort of a delicious drink while fostering meaningful connections.

Culinary Diplomacy is one of Our Seat at the Table’s key pillars. We chose to create these mugs and mixes for Second Nurture’s sponsors to encourage this belief: A simple act of sharing a cup of hot chocolate fosters intimacy and conversation, allowing everyone to connect with one another on a deeper level whenever they do so. 

At its core, culinary diplomacy is about more than just sharing a meal – it's about building bridges, breaking down barriers, and fostering mutual understanding. By partnering with Second Nurture for their gala, Our Seat at the Table is embracing the spirit of culinary diplomacy and using food as a tool for social change.

Join us on May 2nd as we come together to celebrate hope, resilience, and the transformative power of food. Together, we can create a world where every child has the love, support, and resources they need to thrive.

Register at this link – completely free of charge! https://www.2nurture.org/event-details/2n-community-gathering-film-premiere