The Dinner Party is a non‑profit organization that arranges potluck dinner‑based peer‑support gatherings for young adults who have experienced loss.
Lennon Flowers serves as the Executive Director.
History.
The Dinner Party was founded in 2010 in Los Angeles by Lennon Flowers and Carla Fernandez, both of whom were in their twenties and had experienced the loss of a parent. The founders organized the first dinner in 2010 to bring together other young adults who had lost loved ones at a young age. The organization expanded by creating specialized groups for individuals who had lost friends, siblings, partners, or who had experienced loss through suicide. In collaboration with OptionB.Org, founded by Sheryl Sandberg, The Dinner Party broadened its support to include a wider range of ages and types of loss.
By 2018, The Dinner Party had hosted approximately 10,000 participants and maintained around 4,000 regular members across more than 100 cities, including international locations such as Israel and Australia, which have since been closed.
Dinners.
Over the years, The Dinner Party has evolved into a national community that brings together young adults who have suffered major losses through potluck dinners.
Dinner Party events follow a consistent format with variations based on the host and participants. The host schedules the date and location, and guests bring a dish, often with personal significance or a connection to a lost loved one. The evening begins with socializing and cocktails, followed by dinner. The host outlines guidelines emphasizing non‑judgment, voluntary participation, and confidentiality. Facilitated discussions address topics such as coping with holidays, anniversaries, changes in family dynamics, decision‑making without a deceased loved one, and adjusting to altered perspectives after loss.
In March 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic led the organization to shift from in‑person gatherings to virtual meetings via video calls. This transition enabled the formation of additional groups, including those for individuals who had lost loved ones to homicide or addiction, and allowed participation from a broader geographic area.