A Neighborhood Cafe Filled With Warmth… and Pumpkin Bread!

Neighborhood Cafe and Pumpkin Bread giveaway

When Laura Gallant signed up to host a Neighborhood Cafe, she brought together two things she loves deeply: connecting people and sharing homemade pumpkin bread.

The cafe took place in Laura’s home and was paired with her annual pumpkin bread giveaway, a beloved tradition in the neighborhood. Neighbors were invited to sign up for pickup times and could request as many loaves as they wished. Laura shared that she bakes an impressive 60 to 70 loaves of pumpkin bread each year, all made with care and generosity.

During a small group conversation, Laura reflected on her lifelong passion for connection. Before transitioning into real estate, she spent many years as a physical trainer and recreation professional, roles rooted in bringing people together. After several injuries shifted her career path, she found herself in real estate, following in the footsteps of other family members. No matter the profession, her gift for connection has remained constant.

Laura welcomed every guest with open arms. Neighbors were greeted with meatballs, complimentary Kangaroo Coffee, hot cocoa, and tea. Each guest left with a wooden tree star ornament, a bag of chocolates, a loaf of pumpkin bread, and a sachet of lavender picked fresh from the garden. Many commented that they left not only full of treats, but also smelling wonderful.

Over twenty neighbors participated throughout the Neighborhood Cafe, with people coming and going at their own pace. Families attended together across generations, including grandparents, adult children, and grandchildren. Fathers came with their kids, some neighbors came solo, and others stopped by briefly to pick up bread. Conversations happened naturally in small groups, creating space for meaningful connection.

Laura’s husband co-hosted the evening and proudly offered tours of their home, sharing details about recent construction and improvements. Guests were equally impressed by Laura’s tour of their new deck, which overlooks a breathtaking view of the mountains and Garden of the Gods in the distance. It was a reminder that sometimes the most beautiful gathering spaces are right in our own backyards.

Laura shared that she believes in changing lives for the good through action and that building connections creates a deeper sense of community. She has also signed up to serve as a Neighborhood Leader and regularly hosts yard sales, annual potlucks, and outdoor movie nights. Her husband shared photos from past movie nights, complete with a popcorn machine and concession stand, offering a glimpse into the joy they create together. Their warmth, hospitality, and strong relationships with neighbors were evident throughout the evening.

Some neighbors stayed and visited for a while. Others stopped by briefly. All were welcomed fully.

Hey Neighbor staff is already looking forward to the next outdoor movie night at the Gallants’ home. With a big screen, projector, thoughtful setup, and stunning mountain views as the backdrop, it is sure to be another gathering filled with laughter, connection, and community.

This is what Neighborhood Cafes are all about. Opening doors, sharing what you have, and creating space for neighbors to truly connect.