The people behind the Table.

Markus is the founder and original visionary behind At The People's Table. His belief that communities possess the collective ability to support and uplift one another inspired an organization rooted in compassion, dignity, and human connection. From its earliest beginnings, he envisioned something beyond a traditional charitable organization: a place where people could come together regardless of circumstance, background, or experience, knowing that their contributions mattered.

He developed Pull Up. Listen. Feed. Build., ATPT's foundational community-engagement approach. It emphasizes showing up where people are, listening before making assumptions, responding to immediate human needs, and building relationships that can last beyond a single moment of service.

Under his leadership, ATPT has developed People's Packs, brought food and practical essentials directly to unhoused neighbors, established community relationships, introduced Community Voices, and opened opportunities for young people to participate in service and leadership. Much of the less-visible work — forming the organization, handling administrative responsibilities, developing programs, and connecting partners — has been part of turning the original idea into a working nonprofit.

As the author of Everybody Has Something To Bring To The Table, Markus has also extended the idea behind ATPT into a written invitation to reconsider how we see one another and what we might accomplish together.

His greatest contribution is not simply having the vision. It is making room for others to bring their own ideas, talents, and experiences into building it.

Anthony has been part of At The People's Table since its earliest beginnings. Before there was an established organization, a set of programs, a network of partners, or a growing presence in the community, Anthony believed in the vision and chose to stand alongside Markus as it began to take shape.

As Co-Founder, Anthony holds an important place in ATPT's history. He was present during the foundational days, when much of what the organization could become depended on commitment, resourcefulness, and the willingness to start. That early belief helped move the mission from conversations into action.

Anthony has contributed to outreach, community engagement, and building relationships with people who could strengthen the mission. His participation reflects a simple truth about grassroots service: good intentions are not enough. People have to show up, make connections, and continue showing up.

His history with ATPT also provides continuity. As new programs, partnerships, and opportunities develop, Anthony understands what the organization looked like before any of those things existed — and what it took to get moving.

Anthony did not join an established organization with guaranteed success. He believed in what At The People's Table could become and helped build its foundation from the beginning.

Caitlin has been a foundational supporter of At The People's Table, contributing her time, energy, and personal resources to help the organization get off the ground. Her involvement reflects a commitment that goes beyond encouragement: she has consistently helped meet real, practical needs.

One of her earliest contributions was purchasing ATPT's first canopy — a basic but essential piece of equipment that helped establish the organization's physical presence at community events and farmers markets. She has also made her vehicle available to support outreach, helping transport supplies and equipment to the places where they are needed.

Caitlin has helped prepare People's Packs and support the work that happens before an outreach day begins. Her care for details and her attention to needs that may otherwise be overlooked, including feminine hygiene products and other essentials, reflect the compassion at the center of the mission.

Her organizational role connects the administrative side of ATPT with the practical realities of community service. Without the preparation, supplies, transportation, and personal generosity behind the scenes, much of what the public sees would not be possible.

Some of the most meaningful work happens out of public view. Caitlin's generosity, resources, and steady support helped make the earliest outreach possible.

Zora holds a special place in ATPT's story as the first young person to become actively involved in shaping its youth outreach efforts. From the beginning, she brought creativity, thoughtful perspectives, enthusiasm, and a willingness to explore what community service could mean for people her age.

Her involvement helped introduce an important possibility: young people should not simply be invited to volunteer for programs adults have already designed. They should be encouraged to ask questions, develop ideas, serve alongside others, and influence the conversations about the communities they will inherit.

Through outreach activities, community discussions, and creative engagement, Zora has helped ATPT develop room for youth voices. She also introduced Pluto to the organization, demonstrating how the involvement of one young person can inspire another to join the work.

Community Voices, youth interviews, and emerging youth-led projects offer opportunities to practice communication, explore social issues, build confidence, and develop leadership in real settings. Zora has helped bring those possibilities into focus for the organization.

Young people are not simply leaders of the future. They bring important ideas, experiences, and perspectives to the table right now.

Richard joined At The People's Table during an important stage of early development, as the organization began looking beyond its first outreach efforts toward stronger relationships and systems that could sustain its growth.

Although relatively new to ATPT, he has brought experience, initiative, strategic thinking, and a willingness to help advance the work. His contributions have included cultivating partnerships, strengthening donor and supporter relationships, identifying sponsorship and in-kind opportunities, and making connections with schools, businesses, and community organizations.

Richard developed A.W.A.R.E., his own framework that complements the foundational community-engagement approach Markus created, Pull Up. Listen. Feed. Build. That distinction matters: ATPT grows when people are encouraged to contribute their own ideas and strengths rather than simply repeat what was already there.

On October 9, 2026, Richard joined ATPT's Board of Directors. Alongside his work in community growth and partnerships, he now contributes to the board's responsibility for guiding the organization's long-term direction and sustainable service. His involvement represents an important phase for a growing organization — turning promising conversations into lasting relationships and strengthening the foundation that makes direct outreach possible.

Richard's contribution shows how a clear vision grows stronger when others bring fresh ideas, relationships, and the willingness to help build its future.

Chelsea is participating in a 30-day pilot with At The People's Table, focused on discovering where her skills and interests can contribute to its community-centered work. This is an opportunity for both Chelsea and ATPT to learn what an effective, lasting working relationship could look like.

Her first major focus is helping lead the planning of Jingle at the Table, a proposed family-friendly holiday event. She has begun developing a timeline and event plan, and is working with Markus and Richard to align on volunteers, practical needs, sponsorship possibilities, and shared responsibilities.

Her interests in fundraising, community relationships, special events, and youth engagement may create additional opportunities as the pilot develops. No permanent board appointment or long-term position is being represented as finalized during this evaluation period.

The spirit of this pilot reflects ATPT's founding belief: people should have the chance to bring their talents and ideas to the table, and contributions are strongest when supported by clear expectations and genuine collaboration.

Chelsea's pilot is about exploring the possibilities, contributing meaningfully, and building a strong foundation before defining a permanent role.