What is Monday Night Dinner?

When I was growing up, as my brothers and sisters were moving out of the house, my mom just asked all of us to come home every Monday to have dinner. It was a time she always kept special for us all to spend together and stay close to one another - No matter how old we got.

A few years ago, I moved from my hometown to Coeur d’ Alene, Idaho and did not know a single person. Shortly after moving there, I went through a big breakup and was left feeling completely alone and isolated. I had no clue what to do. I tried to rely on social media to help but, as we know, it made it worse.

I was craving in-person connection. In-person conversation.

I was craving vulnerability.

Finally, I just decided to invite strangers I would meet spontaneously to have dinner at my home on Monday nights. It was my way of carrying on the Monday Night Dinner tradition but, instead of with close family, with strangers I would meet.

The only rules?

Everyone brings a side-dish. No business. No politics. No phones. Nothing divisive.

No agenda other than just getting to know the people around you in genuine conversations.

The first dinner had 11 people come to it… And we never stopped - Having them every other Monday until they got too big to be able to have them indoors anymore. Now, we just do them May-September and have hundreds of people that come to each one.

Each time, someone brings a new person or stranger they’ve met and we just keep bringing the world that much closer together.

One dinner at a time. One stranger at a time.

click here for all the monday night dinner invites!

“Thank you so, so much for creating Monday Night Dinners. The first time I came here, I was all alone. I had so many losses in life and I was the only person left… I thought ‘What could go wrong if I went to a Monday Night Dinner to try them out?’ And it ended up being the best decision I have ever made. You have created such a profound sense of community and helped me to feel and recognize that none of us are alone. We are all part of a bigger world together. I am eternally grateful to be a part of this community and for your welcoming presence. Looking forward to many, many more years of this going forward!”

Kristen W.

“I found love here when I was so afraid to live. Thank you for that.”

Misty D.

Photographer Adam Schlüter says connecting with strangers saved his life; he hopes others can find the magic in being vulnerable - The Inlander

“Thank you so much for bringing Monday Night Dinners together. I’m an introvert and struggle with being social and making friends so I love the atmosphere and the ability to chat with new people here. It helps me to overcome my social anxiety. Thank you for all you do!”

Adam F.

“Thank you for your hospitality and your beautiful mind and heart. These truly are the nights we all live for!”

Piper C.

“Such an amazing thing you have started and continue to do for these last 6 years. I am glad I found out about them this summer and have been able to attend a few! You seem like someone with a kind heart and soul - We really need more of your kind in this world. Keep on, keeping on!”

Pete M.

Coming together in cda - article in the cda Press!

coeur d' alene man bringing people together - article with the spokesman!

“I love what you’ve created with Monday Night Dinners. It’s something I look forward to and that inspires me to create more community in the world. Thank you for bringing people together!”

-Lauren K.

This is so inspiring to me. Thank you for opening up your backyard, for inviting us to come, for the connection. It feels like home. We appreciate your kindness.

Courtney R.

“So glad to be a part of this family. Thank you Adam. You have a gift which you share freely and lovingly and it shows. Many blessings and loving thoughts your way.”

Brandey C.

“Monday Night Dinners have become something very special in my life. In a world filled with so many digital interactions, it’s more important than ever to cultivate friendships in person.”

-Kyla A.

“A place where I know I’ll find smiles and good conversation. Even when I’m feeling too tired or busy, I try to always make it since it’s a genuinely refreshing connection each time.”

Weston C.

“Monday Night Dinners are amazing. Being able to connect with so many new friends and meeting so many different people is wonderful. It’s like an old fashion block party! Every dinner, there are always so many new faces. It’s great to get away from technology and actually speak to people. I have made many new friends and lasting relationships over the past few years at these dinners! Always great music and food too.”

Mary S.

“So thankful my path lead me to these events - Beyond tickled to be out with friendly people, all thankful and happy. Growing up with block parties, it is so heart warming to see this once again.”

Diana H.

“Monday Night Dinners are still pretty new to me. I’ve only been to four so far, however, the impact they’ve made is incredible. They have given me a real sense of community. Growing up, I was a fairly shy kid. It was always difficult to put myself out there, let alone walk up to a completely stranger. Being able to come to an event like this - judgement free and loving arms wide open - is truly an opportunity. I am so blessed to have met so many new friends that I have never had the chance to meet before. What do Monday Night Dinners mean to me? They mean gaining personal relationships, meeting new fiends, having lasting memories, lifting each other up and being able to call my community my second family.”

Kayla B.

“Thank you for reaching out to the sad, the lonely, the heartbroken, the lost and anybody on the street. It’s a rare thing.”

Anna R.

“The first time I came, I was a silly little nerd with low self esteem and a lot of sarcasm. I spent years trying to find my calling and these dinners supported me through it all. I put way more effort to come to these dinners than I do to see my family at times.”

Anthony B.

Spokesman Review Feature

CDA Press feature

NSpire Magazine

“I’ve been to over a dozen of these magical gatherings and each new one is more incredible than the last. These dinners hold a very special place in my heart and I look forward to attending many more to come!”

Bailey R.

“The community you create is a beautiful, valuable and necessary one in a society that many times forgets to be kind, forgets to forgive and forgets to love. Thank you Monday Night Dinners for letting us remember what it means to be neighbors and to truly build the community we’ve lost. We haven’t completely lost it. This beautiful gift of togetherness is proof of that.“

Devin W.

“The first Monday Night Dinner I came to was a gamble. I was a cashier at Safeway across the street and Adam was in and out regularly. I was welcomed immediately and that first dinner, I met a group of friends that I am still lucky to have in my life. It is so essential to dance, laugh, eat and savor our time on earth.”

Emma P.

“As I sit here at this picnic table of close friends, under a string of lights, music and familiar voices echoing in the background. I an reminded of how blessed I am to be conversing and mingling amongst such wonderful individuals.”

Ashton B.

“Adam. I am not sure how you did it but, as always, a gift to all. I’m sure no one can forget how they met you. I know I never will. Thank you for being a genuine friend - I will always continue to reciprocate however I can.”

-Melissa C.

Monday Night Dinners… Melting pot. Pot luck. Meeting strangers. Music that moves. Talented people sharing their gifts. Freedom in conversations. No worries. It always comes together! My sister Melissa met Adam and made him our friend too. Always welcome - No judgement ever. Genuine desire to see people connect. We love what this means. All are welcome - We feel blessed to be here.

-Genca S.

“This was our first time here! Honestly, one of the best ideas - More people in this world should have your mindset and heart. We greately appreciate the hospitaly and kindness - Thank you a million times!”

-The Hovery Family

“Monday Night Dinners… These nights are really special. I am honored to know you all - Thank you for opening your home and heart to all these people, including me.”

Denny L.