What To Expect at a Legacy Dinner

A Legacy Dinner is a relaxed, meaningful gathering created to give a patient the chance to hear the stories, love, and small moments that usually get shared only after someone is gone. This page walks you through exactly what the evening looks like so you feel prepared and supported.

Who the Dinner Is For

Legacy Dinners are offered to patients on hospice or nearing end of life, along with the people they want at the table. This can be family, close friends, caregivers, or anyone important to them.

Dinners are completely free for the patient and their invited guests.

Where the Dinner Takes Place

We partner with local restaurants that provide a private, comfortable space. We coordinate the reservation, timing, and menu. All you have to do is arrive.

If the patient has mobility or medical considerations, the social worker will help us choose an appropriate restaurant or seating arrangement.

What the Night Feels Like

A Legacy Dinner is warm, simple, and centered on connection. It feels less like an event and more like a meaningful family meal.

Most families describe it as:
relaxed, comfortable, full of laughter, stories, and support, emotional in a good way

There is no pressure on anyone to say anything. You can share as much or as little as you want.

How The Dinner Works

Here is the general flow:

1. Arrival
The family gathers at the restaurant. The table is set, and the space is prepared. A volunteer or coordinator may greet you, depending on the restaurant.

2. Settling In
Everyone orders their meal. This gives the table time to relax and get comfortable.

3. Opening Words
Someone close to the patient may choose to say a few opening words, or you can let the evening unfold naturally. There is no script.

4. Sharing Stories
During dinner, guests are invited to share stories, memories, or small moments that show what the patient has meant to them.

This can look like: pointing out the patient’s little quirks, sharing a favorite memory, talking about the patient’s impact, describing a moment or habit you loved, offering a toast

These stories often become the most meaningful part of the night.

5. Listening and Participating
The patient is encouraged to simply be present. They can laugh, respond, add their own stories, or quietly listen.

6. Closing the Evening
There is no formal ending. The dinner naturally winds down when everyone feels complete.

Photography and Video

We offer a volunteer photographer and videographer for families who want it. This is completely optional.

If you opt in:
We capture moments discreetly, without interrupting the dinner
You receive all photos and video at no cost
We may ask to share select content on social media to raise awareness, but only with written permission
A simple release form will be provided separately so you can review it without pressure

If you prefer a private dinner, we will honor that fully.