In the heart of Birmingham, Alabama, lies Woodlawn—a neighborhood where history and community thrive together. Every first Sunday of October, our neighborhood comes alive in a unique way during Woodlawn Sunday Dinner (WSD). It’s not just a meal; it’s an annual celebration of the people, stories, and place we call home. The inspiration behind this event was simple—Woodlawn is special, and we wanted to honor that. It’s about more than just sharing food; it’s about coming together to celebrate our shared spaces, our rich history, and the dreams we have for our future. Over the years, what started as a community gathering has grown into something that not only strengthens connections but also highlights the incredible talent and businesses right here in Woodlawn. Woodlawn has its own story, its own heartbeat. And each year, during WSD, that story comes to life. Our long-time neighbors share their memories, keeping our history alive, while new friendships are made over shared tables. The local flavors—whether they come from treasured family recipes or creative dishes from our local chefs—remind us all of the rich culinary traditions that define our neighborhood. Artists, musicians, and makers showcase their talents, adding to the vibrant atmosphere that makes Woodlawn so special.     This year’s dinner had an extra special touch, thanks to our partnership with REACH, a local event planning business. It all started with a conversation at last year’s dinner when I saw Greg Cole volunteering and said, “Next year, I want you to plan this.” What began as a casual comment became something real. As spring approached, Greg and I talked about his new business, REACH, and how I envisioned them leading the event. For years, my team at Woodlawn United managed the planning, but this time I wanted to step back and give a new local business the opportunity to take charge. Greg, a proud WE Lead graduate, and his business partner, Brittany Hollis, took on the challenge with creativity and care, bringing their unique touches to make WSD even more special. It wasn’t until the day of the dinner that I fully realized what it meant—this was REACH’s first official event as a company, and I couldn’t have been prouder. By giving them the reins, we provided a platform for a local business to grow, while keeping the economic impact of the event within our own community. Their success is Woodlawn’s success—a true reflection of what’s possible when we support one another. A huge thank you goes out to all those who made the evening possible. Bayles Catering and Restaurant, Dirty Red Food Truck, Naughty But Nice Kettle Corn, and our beverage partners, Jazz on 55th and Redmont Vodka, ensured the night was filled with incredible food and drinks that brought our gathering to life. We’re also grateful to Sherri Brown and DJ Rahdu for providing the uplifting live music that set the perfect tone for the evening, and to the Woodlawn Theatre for their invaluable support in helping make the event a success.     Woodlawn Sunday Dinner may happen just once a year, but its impact reaches far beyond that day. It sparks community projects, supports local businesses, and inspires more residents to engage in neighborhood initiatives. Though the dinner lasts only a few hours, the pride and connection it fosters continue throughout the year. The success of WSD reflects the power of community, and with the support of our donors, we’ll keep building on this tradition. I’m also deeply grateful to Greg and Brittany for bringing this vision to life with such care. Their work made this year’s WSD a success, and I’m filled with optimism for what we’ll achieve together in the years to come. Here in Woodlawn, we’re not just building events—we’re building a place, one Sunday dinner at a time.