Some people say that I’m an old-fashioned girl, but I believe in love and all that it means. There’s nothing like making a concerted effort to have dinner and a fruitful conversation with the one you love, especially when the love is genuine and impassioned.

Fontashia Johnson had an avid vision for an event where individuals would network, build connections, create lasting memories and be in community with one another as they spread love in a good way. With this in mind, Johnson is hosting Dinner in Love on Saturday, Feb. 24 from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.
“The purpose of this event is to bring people together in community, connection and love with gratitude,” said Johnson, owner and founder of Dinner in Love. “People will come together to enjoy a meal prepared by themselves unless they purchase an a la carte menu option while having conversations, making connections and celebrating each other.”

Johnson added that the objective is for the individual to prepare a meal alone or with someone else and they will bring that meal to the event. If they choose to purchase a meal, the meal will consist of fried chicken, macaroni and cheese, string beans, rice and cornbread.

The ticket includes entry to the event, an appetizer, a drink, dessert and wine/champagne will be provided for a heartfelt toast. The budding event is rooted in love.

“When I think about Dinner in Love, I think of having dinner with a loved one or an in-law, not just for a holiday, but we can do this every day,” said Johnson. “It is different when it comes to being in community with people that you don’t necessarily know but have an opportunity to network, grow and have authentic conversations that you may not necessarily have any other way.”

The networking affair comprises a gratitude portion, self-love activities, music, dancing, food and drinks, a variety of connection activities based around love languages, raffles, mindfulness practices and more. “One of the activities that people will partake in is similar to when you are celebrating Thanksgiving,” said Johnson. “One of the traditions in my family is that we allow each family member to say a person or a thing that we are grateful for.”

She added, “We will take a moment to show some love and gratitude for at least one thing that you are grateful for.”

The love ambassador shared that individuals will participate in a mindfulness practice activity.

“It will be a practice in the way of nonjudgmental awareness and really coming into the present moment before we partake in our meal together,” said Johnson. “There is also some element of surprise to what people will expect when they get there because this is something that we hope to continue doing.”

In 2017, the trailblazer started her nonprofit, Financial Awareness Counseling and Teaching Services. “The purpose of FACTS is to teach mindfulness, financial literacy and workplace readiness skills in underserved communities,” said Johnson. “I would go to different communities to teach individuals all of those things and now it has shifted into meeting people where they are.”

“I now go to where there are mobility issues and we want to be known as the organization that brings those teachings to you.”

Looking to keep up the momentum of Dinner in Love, the mindfulness educator has a prepense plan that aligns with her purpose of spreading love in the world in any way that seems fit.

“We hope to continue doing this event in different cities and areas to bring people together over a meal in love and connection with one another,” said Johnson. “We have to take moments of pause to really be with what’s happening in the moment, put some things aside and really love on each other.”

The event will be held at 8175 Cliffdale Road, Suite 113. General admission is $50. The dress attire is formal/business casual. For more information call 919-295-2230.