‘Gather Madison’ to attract grateful residents for a meal and camaraderie
MADISON – High-tech jobs, sons and daughters’ hectic schedules and study demands can dwindle time for people to pursue meaningful connections. “Gather Madison” offers a time for residents to take a break, relax and enjoy a meal with friends, neighbors and new acquaintances.
Madison Visionary Partners or MVP has organized the event for people to reconnect who call Madison ‘home.’ In its second year, Gather Madison on Nov. 8 from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. will be held at Home Place Park in downtown Madison.
“We’re, bringing residents together around one long table for a free community meal, live music and an afternoon of connection,” MVP Executive Director Christina Hearne said.
Mazda Toyota Manufacturing is serving as Presenting Sponsor in 2026 and joins businesses and organizations in investing in an event that celebrates the people and partnerships that make Madison a great place to live, work and play.
“Madison is growing quickly and, with that growth, comes an even greater need for opportunities to simply come together,” Hearne said. “Gather Madison is a reminder that community isn’t just about where we live — it’s about the connections we make with the people around us.”
“There’s powerful about sitting down together, sharing a meal and getting to know your neighbors,” Hearne said. This year, Gather Madison is building on success of 2025’s inaugural ‘gathering,’ which attracted approximately 500 people and more than 100 volunteers together at Home Place Park.
This year, MVP hopes to welcome even more families, friends, neighbors, businesses and community organizations for an afternoon of food, music and connection. Guests will enjoy a meal of chicken tenders, mashed potatoes, macaroni and cheese, green beans, rolls and dessert.
The audience can listen to live entertainment at the park’s stage. Tents will be available for MVP staff and event volunteers. Guests can visit the photo booth for a reminder of the day. Children’s activities will be set up on the south side of the park, and dining tables will stand in a single line along the park’s western side. HEMSI employees will provide a first-aid tent.
Guests can nurture friendships or meet people for the first time. The event is free and provided by generous support of local sponsors and community partners.
Although it’s free, Gather Madison will raise funds for MVP, a community nonprofit dedicated to connecting people who care with initiatives that enrich the quality of life in Madison. Sponsorships’ support helps MVP invest in community projects, nonprofit organizations and initiatives that make a lasting difference throughout Madison, Hearne said.
“Last year showed us just how meaningful it can be when people come together,” Hearne said. “We want Gather Madison to be a place where people leave with full stomachs, full hearts and maybe a new friend or two.”
“MVP is grateful to Mazda Toyota Manufacturing and all of the businesses, organizations and individuals whose support makes Gather Madison possible,” Hearne said.
Madison Visionary Partners was founded in 2014 by community and business leaders. Its primary focus is garnering philanthropic support and collaborative partnerships for community projects. MVP’s focus is to enrich the quality of life for the City of Madison.
For more information, visit mvpmadison. org/gather, Facebook/Madison Visionary Partners, LinkedIn or Instagram.
