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Open Table
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Chorale Performing at Open Table   Chorale performing at Open Table (more photos)
In 2008 Rio Lindo Adventist Academy's Community Services established a new outreach ministry to provide regular support and hope to the local community and to inspire other schools and Churches wanting to get involved in similar ministries. This outreach is known as Open Table.

Three times a year, students, staff and local Church members work together to reach out to people living in Santa Rosa, CA. The main target is Santa Rosa's homeless population but, as the Open Table slogan says: "At the Open Table Everyone is Welcome." Each event provides a number of different services to those present. A simple Church service is held which includes song service, special music, a drama performance, and student speakers. Everyone is invited to a warm meal provided and served by Rio students and staff. In addition, clothing, eye glasses and toiletries are available to those in need of them and bicycle repair, resume writing assistance, and prayer stations offer additional assistance. At the end of the day there is a drawing for gift cards to local grocery stores.
 
Serving food at Open Table   Serving food at Open Table (more photos)
Approximately 100 guests attend Open Table, which usually costs $700-$900 per event (excluding the cost of food). The ministry counts on volunteer labor, donations, fund raising, and corporate sponsors to pay for the items needed. There are currently three corporate sponsors that provide regular assistance:
 - Cambria Bicycle Outfitter
 - Fusion Fitness
 - Starbucks

Get Involved

If you are interested in supporting this ministry, please contact the Community Service Director, Steve Martin, by email or by calling 707-431-5100 ex. 126. Donations of the following items are also being accepted:
 - sleeping bags
 - socks (new and in package)
 - underwear (new and in package)
 - eye glasses (new and used)
 
See a map and get directions if you'd like to stop by on one of the following dates between 11:00 am and 2:00 pm.

Open Table Videos

There are now two videos about Rio Lindo's Open Table events available to watch. One video documentary was produced in 2010 by Daniel Wahlen ('10). Another Open Table video was produced in 2011 by Chisha Siulapwa (junior).
 
Rio Lindo Adventist Academy  •  3200 Rio Lindo Avenue  •  Healdsburg, CA 95448  •  Phone: (707) 431-5100  •  Fax: (707) 431-5115