Shannon said, “Sorry, I don’t agree with those
who doubt my capacity.”
She said, “Sorry, I don’t agree with those
who doubt my life expectancy.”
She is the teacher, the student, the silence and the voice, the promise and the pain.
She is the poem we must all keep writing in her name.
Welcome To Shannon's Table
Our Mission
Shannon’s Table Society is a not-for-profit initiative that recognizes the challenges that face many families who care for individuals with disabilities. Each month Shannon’s Table sponsors a complimentary dinner for two deserving parents or caregivers who care for a disabled child. The goal is to pamper those hardworking guardians and give them a much-needed night out with a relaxing environment and a delicious meal.
About the Society
Established in 2021, Shannon’s Table Society is a not-for-profit organisation managed by a board of directors in British Columbia. The goal of Shannon’s Table is to provide an enjoyable evening of respite and comforting food for parents and caregivers of children with disabilities.
Please note: Shannon’s Table is not yet a registered charity.
Who Was Shannon?
Shannon Bromley was an amazing young woman living with disabilities. Shannon was born with an extremely rare genetic condition called FOXG1 Syndrome. In fact, FOXG1 Syndrome is so rare, that at the time of her diagnosis there were less than 300 cases identified in the world.
While she had many challenges including being unable to speak or walk, she had an unmatched love and zest for life and an ambitious spirit. Some of her many accomplishments included completing four years of post-secondary education at Simon Fraser University where she became the first person with developmental disabilities to be accepted into the Professional Teacher Development Program. She loved spending time with her family and friends and her favorite hobby was skiing with the support of her brother Michael and the Vancouver Adaptive Sports Society.
Heartbreakingly, Shannon passed away in 2017 after complications from an epileptic disorder which was a symptom of her FOXG1 genetic condition. Shannon’s life was deeply enriched with the loving support of people in her community. Shannon’s family continues to honor her memory by giving back to the community that lifted her, through the creation and ongoing work of Shannon’s Table.
Nominate Someone for Shannon's Table
Criteria and Eligibility Requirements
The person or persons who have the primary role of caring for the child’s needs are eligible to be nominated for an evening at Shannon’s Table.
Shannons’s Table Society recognizes that children encompass a wide range of abilities and that the parenting of a child with a developmental disability is lifelong. The definition of “parent(s)” is inclusive of all of those who have taken on the parenting or caregiving role, such as an adult sibling who is the guardian, a grandparent, or an aunt or uncle. The child can be of any age and does need to live at home for the caregiver to qualify. There are no financial qualifications.
Who can nominate someone to dine at Shannon's Table
To nominate a caregiver(s), the nominator must know the family very well and have a general knowledge of the lifelong, extraordinary needs of the chid. The nominating individual should not be the primary caregiver and will not qualify to attend the dinner for two.
There may be a brief interview or email where the nominator will be asked questions such as:
- How do you know the family?
- Are there any organizations involved to support the family?
- Does the child live at home?
- Can the child be left on their own or will the parents need to hire a respite caregiver? Does the family have a respite worker available for the evening? Please note: the hiring of the respite worker is the responsibility of the parent however a contribution towards the respite payment will be provided at dinner.
Our Founding Partners
Alejandro Diaz of El Santo restaurant, Rob and Kathy Bromley.
Our Board of Directors
ALEJANDRO DIAZ
Alejandro is a resident and business owner in New Westminster. Prior to opening his business, he worked for twenty years in the financial and hospitality industry. He is a former Board Member of Tourism New West and Family Support Institute and currently sits as a board member with The Lower Mainland Purpose Society.
He is passionate about connecting with people and helping them acquire the kinds of community resources they need and deserve. As a father of neurodivergent children, raising awareness about autism and supporting people who are on the spectrum is a cause that is very close to his heart.
Being part of Shannon’s Table is very important for him as this initiative supports parents going through the same challenges that he and his family face.
SARI GALVIN
Sari has been an educator for over two decades, currently acting in the role of Learner Support Teacher for the Surrey School District. Passionate about inclusive education, Sari advocates for all students so that they can learn and participate in their educational experience together.
Sari had the privilege of being one of Shannon‘s teachers at New Westminster Secondary School and enjoyed watching her share her passion for dance.
GILLIAN LOWREY
Gillian worked in the Canadian television production industry for 20 years, as COO and co-owner of Force Four Entertainment. She most recently worked as Director of Operations at KidSafe Project Society for 3 years; a non-profit, which provided programming and meals for kids when schools were closed for holidays.
Gillian is very passionate about giving back to her communities and volunteers with a few different organizations and is currently vice president for the Delta Community Foundation.
Gillian is very honored to be part of Shannon’s Table, and to be able to celebrate and remember Shannon in such a special way.
ROB BROMLEY
Following a career of more than 25 years in the film and television industry as a producer and partner in a production company, Rob retired to spend more time with his family. In addition to his career, Rob has volunteered for more than 60 collective years serving on various local, provincial and national boards, many as the chair or president.
These boards served the creative industries and associations assisting persons with disabilities.
His most important role, however, was as a partner to his wife Kathy and father to Michael and Shannon.
Participating Restaurant Partners
680 Columbia Street, New Westminster | 604-553-1849
Additional Support
Original Artwork by Carol Schinkel
Invitation & Website Design by Kristine Nilan
IT Design and Support provided by Anja Tomic
“The bouquet of flowers, the gift bag of goodies and the enhanced service helped us to feel special. Yes, I was blubbery with gratitude. Also, a reminder that we all deserve a quality life!”
—MARGO & GORD, NEW WESTMINSTER
“I can’t even begin to express our gratitude at being chosen as guests of Shannon’s Table. What an incredible evening. We felt pampered, spoiled and most of all “SEEN”.”
—MICHELE & MARK, LANGLEY
“We were honored to attend a Shannon’s Table sit down. The meal was wonderful, with the caring attention of Sam and our server Jenna.”
—DON AND DENISE, COQUITLAM
How to Donate to Shannon's Table Society
Support needed by parents of children with disabilities is an ongoing issue. Please help us to assist these families by contributing through donations or sponsorships. As a registered not-for-profit society and not yet a registered charity, please note we are not able to provide charity receipts.
You may make your contributions through PayPal.
Cheques may be made payable to Shannon’s Table Society and mailed to:
Shannon’s Table Society
Suite 601—988 Quayside Drive
New Westminster, BC V3M 0L5