08/20/2026
What are we without community, and what makes a functioning, caring one?
This summer, and the preceding months have stretched us in ways that we could not have imagined. Through it all, it is our friends, community of guests, committed staff, a business network, and the kindness of many people that has kept us functioning (barely). In these dog days of summer, we know we are not the only ones experiencing business slowdown, and challenges.
In the spirit of a community barn-raising, we decided to host an event and market that gives all of us participating a boost to finish out the dog days of summer. For Cheeni, that also means keeping a critical part of our hospitality alive - the Daily Special program in downtown Durham. Since last Fall, we have served members of our community a free meal every single day that we are open, no questions asked. The meal is hot, nutritious, and something people can count on.
Our goals are:
- for every vendor to sell out of product, and make their participation worthwhile.
- for chefs and food vendors to gain exposure, and sales through this next season and beyond at their establishments.
- for the young hospitality professionals who have spent many hours and their own resources to put this event together to know that their work, ideals, and time matter.
- for Cheeni to sustain, so we can keep the Daily Special program alive, and
- to give you, our community the opportunity to support businesses that make a difference.
I am indebted to friends in the food and beverage industry who all had the same question, "how can I help?" They have donated silent auction items, mobilized on my behalf by reaching out to their contacts, and made this event possible in record time. Gratitude doesn't begin to cover it. We're counting on you to help make this successful.
Thank you,
Preeti
