Frequently Asked Questions
What is Last Supper Foundation? Last Supper Foundation brings people living with terminal illness together with their loved ones to honor their lives through stories, connection, and a shared meal. Each gathering is shaped around the person we’re celebrating—their memories, relationships, favorite flavors, and wishes.
Who are these gatherings for? Our gatherings are for people living with terminal or life-limiting illness who would welcome time with their loved ones in a personal, meaningful setting. The person being honored helps shape the experience. Their comfort, preferences, and desire to participate guide the planning.
Is Last Supper Foundation able to serve everyone who is nominated? We wish we could serve every person who is nominated, but at this time our capacity is limited. Each gathering requires thoughtful planning, volunteers, and resources to create a meaningful experience for the honoree and their loved ones. When we receive a nomination, our team carefully reviews the request and considers factors such as the honoree’s condition, timing, location, and our current capacity. While we are not able to host every gathering that is requested, each nomination is received with deep care and gratitude. Our hope is to grow the foundation so that we can serve more families in the future.
Does the honoree need to be well enough to participate in the supper? Yes. Our gatherings are designed to be experienced with the honoree present and able to participate in some way: whether that means sitting at the table, sharing conversation, tasting food, or simply being present with loved ones. Because of this, we are typically able to host suppers for individuals who still have the capacity to engage in the experience, even if only gently. If someone is actively in the final stages of dying and unable to participate, we may not be able to offer a full Last Supper gathering. In those situations, we encourage families to reach out earlier if possible so we can create a meaningful experience while their loved one can still receive it.
What makes the gathering feel personal? We begin by listening. Through conversations with the honoree, we explore the people, places, memories, and foods that have shaped their life. Those stories inspire a four-course meal, with each dish offering an invitation to remember and connect. The gathering reflects the honoree’s personality and wishes, with room for laughter, tenderness, quiet, and whatever feels natural.
Is this religious or spiritual? We are non-denominational but fully devotional. We honor all spiritual paths, religious traditions, and belief systems (or none at all). Our work centers on reverence for life, love, and human dignity.
Who prepares and serves the meals? Meals are prepared by experienced chefs and served by trained volunteers who are carefully guided in hospitality, emotional presence, and care. Everyone involved is there to serve the moment.
Where do the dinners take place? Dinners may take place in a home, hospice facility, or other meaningful location, depending on the honoree’s needs and circumstances. Each setting is chosen with comfort, accessibility, and safety in mind.
Is there a cost to the honoree or their family? No. Our services are offered at no cost to the honoree and their loved ones. Last Supper Foundation is supported by donations, grants, and community partners.
How are honorees selected? We work closely with hospice organizations, palliative care teams, and community referrals. Our capacity is limited, and we prioritize care, readiness, and alignment to ensure each experience is held with integrity.
How do you support loved ones emotionally? Preparation and integration matter. We offer thoughtful communication before the dinner and optional post-event integration conversations to support loved ones in processing the experience.
Is this connected to assisted dying or end-of-life medical decisions? No. We do not participate in medical, legal, or assisted-dying processes. Our role is purely relational, ceremonial, and supportive.
Can I volunteer with Last Supper Foundation? Yes. Volunteers are essential to our work. All volunteers receive training in presence, hospitality, boundaries, and emotional care. We are intentional about roles, pacing, and support.
How can I support or donate? You can support our work through donations, partnerships, or sharing our mission with others. Every contribution helps us honor more lives through food and presence.
How do I learn more or make a referral? You can reach us through our website contact form or email. We’re happy to have a conversation to see if a Last Supper experience may be a good fit.