The Greater Mattapan Neighborhood Council (GMNC) held its first annual Gratitude Dinner on the outdoor patio of Blue Hill Avenue’s Café Juice Up under a massive tent on Fri., Nov. 17. The event was put together to thank community members of all ages for participating in meetings and events throughout the year – and to highlight emerging and established businesses in the community, like Café Juice Up.

Chair Fatima Ali Salaam said that more than 120 people attended the ticketed event on the outdoor patio that was completed last summer by Juice Up owners Denise O’Marde and Dimitri Phanor. She noted that residents of all ages, including children, attended the event – with the highlight being delicious food and non-alcoholic, professionally mixed ‘Mocktails.’

Everyone, from the tent company, to the event photographer, to the lighting was provided by Mattapan businesses – a must for the GMNC Board, said Ali Salaam.

“This shows that our community can have a good time and have a successful event in our community at a great business in our community,” she said. “This was an event that was safe, encouraging, and attended by all ages. We want to say thank you to our entire community and show them gratitude.”

She said they do plan to do a similar event next year, but probably in the late spring or early summer. The inaugural event was funded privately and was free to those who replied to their invitations.

Photos courtesy Nikki Monet Photography

Aaliyah Colon hands off a freshly prepared Mocktail to one of the guests.

Mattapan’s Atisha ‘Tea’ Leach attended the Gratitude Dinner with several friends from the neighboring Mattapan Teen Center.

Genelle Faulkner and Brieyena Joseph.

GMNC Board member David Halbert and GMNC Chair Fatima Ali Salaam.