Warwick Residents Invited to Free Community Dinner Aug. 10

WARWICK, RI – The Rhode Island Foundation invites Warwick residents to share thoughts about issues important to them at a limited seating, free community dinner at Chelo’s on Post Road Aug. 10.

The Warwick community dinner, one of 12 scheduled, will be held at Chelo’s restaurant, 2225 Post Rd., from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. The event is free and open to the public, but seating is limited. Register at rifoundation.org/togetherri, according to a statement from the foundation.

“When we did this four years ago, there already was a troubling tendency toward divisiveness and polarization. Now more than ever Rhode Islanders need a place for listening, reconnecting and inspiring constructive, civic and civil dialogue,” said Neil D. Steinberg, the Foundation’s president and CEO. 

“We’ll offer people the chance to talk face-to-face with each other over family-style meals. Bring your ideas for improving your community and the local challenges you’d like to see addressed,” said Steinberg.

Ten additional community  dinner events are scheduled through Nov. 15. The events will take place at local restaurants and community gathering spaces. The public can attend any of the sessions regardless of where they live. For people who cannot attend the Warwick dinner, another get-together is scheduled for West Greenwich at the Elk’s Lodge, 42 Nooseneck Hill Rd., Aug. 31 from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., the Foundation stated.

The complete schedule is posted at rifoundation.org/togetherri.

“Every voice in Rhode Island deserves to be heard. Grab a friend and join other engaged folks in your area for a free meal and positive discussion to highlight opportunities in your community and our state,” said Steinberg.

The Foundation will provide moderators to help guide the conversations, but participants will drive the topics and discussions. The findings will be shared with participants and the public after the final session.

In 2018, more than 1,300 people attended at least one of the Together RI get-togethers. The Foundation released the results in a report posted at togetherri.org.