Food Brings People Together.
MISSION & PHILOSOPHY
The Table Foundation harvests the power of food to unite communities, believing that sharing meals fosters peace and good will. Our initiatives include the “Olive Mass”, chefs and hospitality professionals. We support food entrepreneurs, provide job opportunities for people who need a second chance or a helping hand, offers food delivery for the hungry and creating unique culinary opportunities and dining experiences to build up community.
OUR HISTORY
Inspired by Fr. Leo Patalinghug's vision of Plating Grace, The Table Foundation aims to expand the reach of nourishing people's bodies, minds, and souls. Across religious traditions, sharing meals fosters peace and reflects divine love. Rooted in Roman Catholic teachings, it recognizes food as a universal language, capable of transforming individuals. The foundation strives to unite families and foster a global sense of community through the sacred act of dining together.
The Table Foundation is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization and contributions made to support The Table Foundation are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by the law. The Table Foundation’s Tax ID is 47-1384384.
Our Board Members
Fr. Leo Patalinghug
Founder & Chairman
Father Leo, a Catholic priest from Baltimore, is a member of the Voluntas Dei community. He founded PlatingGrace.com to promote family bonding over dinner. He hosts Savoring Our Faith, a TV cooking show, and contributes to radio programs. As a renowned speaker and author with popular cookbooks, he believes in the transformative power of food and faith, featured on national and international media.
Jenifer Besh
Vice Chairman
Jenifer Berrigan Besh, a former attorney, now focuses on caring for her husband, Chef John Besh, and their four sons while also volunteering. She holds degrees from Louisiana State University and Loyola Law School. Active in various organizations, including Notre Dame Center for Ethics and Culture Advisory Board and Chef John Besh Foundation, she believes in the synergy of food, family, and faith, inspired by her friendship with Fr. Leo and personal experiences.
Mike Baldwin
Treasurer
Mike, CEO of Baldwin Homes, Inc., leads an award-winning company building "Green" homes in Maryland. He serves on boards like Home Innovation Research Labs and Maryland Building Industry Association. Living in Crownsville, MD, with his wife and children, Mike joined The Table Foundation after experiencing its impact through a meal from Fr. Leo, acknowledging the power of food and faith.
Reverend Collin Poston
Chaplain
Fr. Collin Poston pastors St. Anthony Shrine and Our Lady of Mt. Carmel parishes in Emmitsburg and Thurmont, MD. He's also an Adjunct Spiritual Director at Mount St. Mary’s Seminary and a contributor to www.catholicreview.org. As Chaplain of The Table Foundation, his passion for food and culture fuels his engagement. Fr. Poston attributes his journey to priesthood to Fr. Leo, even inviting him to preach at his first official Mass at the historic Grotto of Lourdes in Emmitsburg, MD, after his ordination.
Dr. Linda Tribuzio
Board Member
Dr. Tribuzio holds a doctorate in Administration, Policy, and Urban Education from Fordham University. Formerly an Assistant Professor of Special Education at Mercy College, she now teaches at Wagner College in NYC. With extensive experience in education and serving underserved groups, she's passionate about making an impact through The Table Foundation, inspired by her grandmother's cooking and her encounter with Fr. Leo on a pilgrimage in 2014.
Joe and Mary Barbera
Board Members
Originally from Chicago, Joe and Mary Barbera opened AIDA Bistro in 2002, featuring recipes from Joe's Italian roots. They prioritize food and wine excellence, reflected in their diverse wine list and Maryland's largest Wine on Tap program. Joe leads various boards, including RAM (Restaurant Association of Maryland), Howard County Tourism, and Blossoms of Hope. They are active members of St. Louis Parish and have five children, all of whom have worked at AIDA Bistro.
Special Thanks To Our Many Contributors!
The Table Foundation is grateful to the many organizations and individuals who have worked with us to fulfill our mission. These are just some of the many groups we have been privileged to work with.
Allergy & Asthma Center of Central Maryland
American Culinary Federation: Baltimore Chapter
American Culinary Federation: New Orleans Chapter
Archdiocese of Baltimore
Archdiocese of New Orleans
Basilica of St. Patrick's Old Cathedral
Besh Restaurant Group
Charity Pants Video Production
Chef James Briscione
Catholic Faith Network
Chefs For Peace
Cuisine Solutions
Dimension Group, LLC
Chef Mike Edwards
EWTN
Famous Fund by Jimmy’s Famous Seafood
FoodWorks
French Quarter Business Association
Chef Jeff Fritz
Msgr. Jamie Gigantiello
Chef Spike Gjerde
Chef Andrew Greul
Chef Matthew Guillory and Molly Iles-Guillory
Chef Creed Hall
Chef Jonathan Hicklin
Intentional Foods
International Sous Vide Association
JBH Advisory Group
Joe Benny's
LaTavola Ristorante Italiano
Liberty Delight Farms
LightHouse
Louisiana Restaurant Association
Chef Ben Lyons
Maryland Restaurant Association
Msgr. Chris Nalty
National Center on Institutions and Alternatives
New Orleans & Company
Nuñez Community College New Orleans
Pandola Learning Center
Pizza School NYC
Promotion Center for Little Italy
Ralph Brennan Restaurant Group
Chef Rich Rosendale
Select International Tours
St. Leo the Great Catholic Church - Baltimore
Thrivent Financial
Whirlaway Agency