Fighting Loneliness, One Potluck at a Time

 Dear Friends,

Welcome to the first OC Around the Table community potluck—a place where strangers become friends, conversations spark connections, and no one has to sit alone.

This year, our theme is Loneliness.  We chose this because loneliness is more than just an emotion—it’s a silent epidemic affecting people of all ages. Studies have shown that chronic loneliness can shorten life expectancy as much as smoking 15 cigarettes a day. It raises the risk of heart disease, depression, and even dementia.

In a world where we are more connected than ever through technology, why are so many of us still feeling isolated? Because nothing replaces the power of real human connection—the kind that happens when we sit together, share a meal, and truly listen to one another.

At OC Around the Table, we believe in the magic of community. When people from different backgrounds, cultures, and walks of life gather around the same table, something special happens. We don’t just eat; we learn, grow, and belong. Our differences don’t divide us—they enrich us.

This event is about more than food—it’s about creating a world where no one feels invisible. 

Whether you host a table, bring a dish, or simply join as a guest, you are part of something bigger: A movement to turn loneliness into connection.

On behalf of the Organizing Committee, it is my honor to invite you to join us on September 14, 2025, at 5:00 PM at Mile Square Park for an evening of unity, connection, and shared humanity. 

We look forward to breaking bread together and celebrating the power of community.

💛 With gratitude,

Cuneyt Tegin, MD, FASAM