Caught off guard by the response!
A write up of Carondelet Death Cafe
We held the first Death Cafe on the College of St. Rose campus, open to the entire campus community. We expected a modest turnout of 7 or so, and got between 25 and 30. We had to move from a small conference room to the multiuse "sanctuary space" and split the group into 2. This unfortunately meant people could not enjoy food or drink during the discussion, but gave people an excuse to gather after for more informal discussion and food afterwards.
(One attendee was exciting to provide a cake in the shape of a 3D human skull, which was by all accounts delicious!)
Some attendees were there because they were brought for class. Unfortunately this both overwhelmed the numbers and added a bunch of people who simply sat and seemed bored--sometimes on their phones.
However, those who were engaged were VERY engaged. It was amazing to see young people--who have such a broad range in their level of experience with death--come together to talk about something they normally wouldn't. They provided keen insights and fresh perspective.
The evaluation sheets showed an overwhelmingly positive response with requests to hold this event again.