REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS (RFP)
Catering Services for 2026 CFUF Kindling Dinners
The Center for Urban Families, Inc. (CFUF) (www.cfuf.org) invites qualified catering firms to submit proposals to provide catering and limited event-support services for six (6) Kindling Dinners scheduled throughout 2026. Required services include: table décor (linen tablecloths and coordinated centerpieces), meal preparation and service, beverage service, and post-event clean-up.
Kindling Dinners convene 15 guests from the Baltimore metropolitan area and 15 CFUF members for a series of structured conversations followed by a shared meal. Each dinner begins with welcoming remarks from the President & CEO of CFUF, transitions into facilitated “speed-conversation” activities, and concludes with dinner, reflections, closing remarks, and to-go desserts.
1. Event Dates
Dinners will be held on the following dates in 2026:
March 23
April 20
May 18
June 22
September 9
October 26
2. Event Venue
TouchPoint (The Village at Mondawmin), Suite P, East Entrance 3201 Tioga Parkway Baltimore, MD 21215
3. Event Timing
Event Duration: 6:30–8:30 PM
Caterer Set-Up: 5:30–6:30 PM
1 of 4
4. Run of Show
5:30 PM – Registration Opens
6:30–7:15 PM – Kindling Dinner Conversations
7:15–8:15 PM – Dinner and Reflections
8:15–8:30 PM – Closing Remarks and Distribution of To-Go Desserts
5. Guest Count
Caterer must prepare and serve meals for 40 attendees.
6. Catering and Service Specifications
The selected caterer shall:
1. Provide all necessary service ware, including:
o Sturdy plastic plates, flatware, and cups
o Napkins
o Bottled sodas (Diet Coke, Coke, Sprite)
o Mini bottled waters
o Sweetened iced tea
o Ice
2. Decorate the serving island where food will be presented.
3. Provide table cards displaying the evening’s menu.
4. Provide the following documentation:
o Certificate of Insurance naming CFUF as additional insured 1. CFUF (2201 N. Monroe Street, Baltimore, MD 21217)
o Copy of current Food Service Facility Permit
7. Proposal Submission Requirements
Proposals must include the following information:
1. Caterer’s business name, mailing address, and phone number
2. Primary contact: name, email address, and cell phone number
3. Detailed costs, fees, and any applicable gratuities
4. Sample menus
5. List or description of sample food items
6. Payment terms
Submission Deadline: March 2, 2026
Submit Proposals and Direct Questions To:
Marilyn M. Aklin
Center for Urban Families
2201 N. Monroe Street Baltimore, MD 21217
410-367-5691
maklin@cfuf.org
Sample Menus
Menu Option 1
Mesquite Barbecue Chicken (Breast, Leg, Thigh, Wings)
Baked Macaroni & Cheese
Fresh Steamed Vegetables
Vegetable Baked Ziti (serves 10)
Fresh Garden Salad with Dressing
Dinner Rolls
Assorted Cake Slices
Menu Option 2
Mesquite Barbecue Chicken (Leg, Wing, Thigh)
Grilled Salmon with Peppers & Onions
Baked Macaroni & Cheese
Green Beans with Garlic
Dinner Rolls
Assorted Cake Slices
Menu Option 3
Grilled Chicken Breast
Grilled Shrimp with Garlic
Fettuccine
Fresh Spinach & Ricotta Tortellini
Garlic Parmesan Alfredo
Traditional Marinara
Garlic Breadsticks
Fresh Caesar Salad Bar
o Romaine, shaved Parmesan, garlic croutons, Caesar dressing, lemon wedges
Assorted Cake Slices
Sample Site Setup
Sample Serving Station
Sample Dinner Table Setup