Dinner Party Project

The Dinner Party Project was the product of Dana Marie Roquemore’s desire to find a way to get to know people. In August 2014, Roquemore started by hosting a dinner for eight for her friends and family in Orlando.

“Eight, the perfect number for an intimate gathering,” Roquemore wrote on TheDinnerPartyProject.co. It grew from there.

It wasn’t initially a business idea. Roquemore was just looking for a way to connect people and hear their stories. Then, real strangers started attending and wanting to be a part of it, she said.

“We’re not built for isolation,” Roquemore said. “Getting out and putting yourself out there and being reminded of our humanity by sharing a meal with somebody I think is important.”

The Dinner Party Project now serves private events, corporate events, retreats and other events nationwide. Roquemore said there have been dinners in New York; Los Angeles; Nashville; Washington, D.C.; and more. The Dinner Party Project also does custom brunches, holiday gatherings and private receptions.

Sharing a meal is at the heart of all of Roquemore’s events, including the ones designed to give back and build community. Along with sponsors Tito’s Vodka and Hi Hello Labs, The Dinner Party Project is hosting a complimentary dinner for single moms in early December for participants who were nominated by friends and family. In March, the annual Women Lead Orlando dinner event takes place in Sanford “for meaningful connection and dialogue around the dinner table,” according to the website.

Roquemore continues to host the Dinner Party Project for eight every month.