Ken and Camille Hovmiller
The Restaurant Dining Out Club held its first all-member dinner at the Cadillac Chaparral Steakhouse on August 10. Despite members being away on trips and the monsoon rains, the dinner was well attended by 86 people or over half the number of people in the club. While this is the first time an all-member event has been held, it is on the path for becoming an annual event because of positive feedback. The evening provided the opportunity for people to mingle with members of other tables, to meet new residents and to visit in an informal setting. Entertainment was not required for the lively group that was simply interested in eating, drinking and visiting.
The club was started in 2013 as a way for SaddleBrooke Ranch residents to meet other people from the SBR community while also trying out Tucson restaurants. Club members are organized into “tables” of 12-16 people. Each table has a “table captain” who ensures the two main guidelines are followed. Those guidelines are: 1) members must host, that is make arrangements for dinner once a year for their table; and 2) as host, invite the other members of their table back to their home after the dinner for dessert and beverages. Naturally the restaurant provides separate checks. The club has grown to 12 tables; but more tables could be added as more people join the club.
At the end of each calendar year members are given the opportunity to move to another table through a process called “the rotation.” Names of people who wish to move to another table are randomly matched to another table looking for more members. This happens in November for the next calendar year.
A special thanks goes to Camille and Ken Hovmiller for their help in planning and organizing this successful event.
If anyone is interested in joining or has questions about the club they are invited to contact Linda Harvey at [email protected].