60 x 60 Frequently Asked Questions

What is 60 x 60?

60 Years. 60 Meals. 1 Incredible Community.

In honor of HBHA’s 60th anniversary, we’re celebrating the best part of our school: our community! Throughout the 2026–2027 school year, HBHA families, alumni, grandparents, faculty, staff, and friends will host 60 gatherings designed to bring people together, make new connections, and strengthen old ones. And when we say “meal,” we use the term loosely! It can be Shabbat dinner, Sunday brunch, pizza in the backyard, coffee and bagels, popsicles at the park—or just about anything that gets people together.

FOR HOSTS

Do I have to host a formal dinner?

Absolutely not! In fact, we hope you don't. Your gathering can be as simple or elaborate as you'd like. Host Shabbat dinner, meet for coffee, order pizza, organize a picnic, invite families over for dessert, or come up with something completely your own. The goal isn't entertaining. The goal is connecting.

Do I have to host at my home?

No! Your gathering can happen at your home, a park, a restaurant, a coffee shop, or anywhere else that works for you and your guests.

How many people do I need to invite?

There’s no magic number, but we’re asking hosts to invite at least two people or families they’re hoping to get to know better. These gatherings are meant to feel personal and give everyone a chance to make meaningful connections.

Who can host?

Anyone who is part of the broader HBHA community is eligible to apply to host! Current families, alumni, grandparents, faculty, staff, former families, and friends of HBHA are all welcome to participate.

Can I co-host with another family?

Yes! Grab a friend and host together. Co-hosting is a great option if you want to participate but don't want to take on a gathering by yourself.

Do I choose my own guests?

You certainly can. You can invite people you're just getting to know, ask us to help connect you with people you don't know yet, or do a combination of both. One of our favorite parts of 60 x 60 is creating new connections across the HBHA community.

Can I host a themed gathering?

Please do! Themes are encouraged but definitely not required. Shabbat dinners, holiday celebrations, sports-themed meals, Israeli food, game nights, family brunches, parents-only dinners, playground meetups, Havdalah, BBQs—we'd love to see your creativity.

What if I want to host but have no idea what to do?

That's what we're here for! Sign up anyway. We can help brainstorm an idea, connect you with a co-host, or help you figure out what type of gathering makes sense for you.

Do I need to provide all of the food?

Not at all. Potlucks, catered meals, pizza delivery, BYO picnics, coffee meetups, and other easy options are completely welcome.

Does my gathering need to be kosher?

No, it does not. Because dietary observance varies across the HBHA community, we ask hosts to be clear with guests about what food will be served and how it will be prepared so everyone can make the choice that's right for their family. 

If you're unsure how to handle dietary needs for your particular gathering, please reach out to Rabbi Elizabeth Bonney-Cohen. We're happy to help!

Does hosting cost anything?

There is no fee to participate in 60 x 60. Hosts determine what kind of gathering they'd like to have and what, if anything, they'd like to spend.

FOR GUESTS

Who can attend a 60 x 60 gathering?

The campaign is designed for the entire HBHA community—current families, alumni, grandparents, faculty, staff, former families, and friends. Individual gatherings may be designed for a particular group, such as families with children, adults, alumni, or grandparents.

I want to participate, but I don't really know anyone. Can I still sign up?

Yes—especially you! One of the goals of 60 x 60 is to help people make connections they might not otherwise make. Tell us you'd like to participate and we'll make a meal shidduch!

Can I attend if I don't currently have a child at HBHA?

Yes! HBHA is much bigger than our current student body. Alumni, alumni parents, grandparents, former families, faculty, staff, and friends are all part of our community.

Can my whole family attend?

It depends on the gathering. Some events may be family-friendly, while others might be designed for adults, parents, alumni, or another particular group. We'll make that clear when gathering details are shared.

Can I attend more than one gathering?

Of course! This is a year-long celebration. If multiple gatherings appeal to you, we'd love for you to participate throughout the year.

Can I host AND attend?

Absolutely—and we hope you will!

HOW IT WORKS

When is 60 x 60 happening?

The campaign runs throughout the 2026–2027 school year, from the first day of school through graduation. Different gatherings will take place throughout the fall, winter, and spring.

How do I sign up to host?

Complete the Host Form and tell us a little about the type of gathering you're considering. You don't need to have every detail figured out before signing up.

How do I sign up to attend?

Complete the Attend Form to let us know you're interested. We'll use that information to help connect community members with upcoming gatherings.

How will I know which gatherings are available?

As hosts finalize their plans, we'll share opportunities with the HBHA community and connect interested guests with gatherings that are a good fit.

What if a gathering fills up?

Some gatherings will naturally have limited space. Don't worry—there will be opportunities throughout the school year, and we'll do our best to connect everyone who wants to participate.

What if my plans change after I sign up to host?

Life happens! Just reach out to us. We can help adjust the date, rethink the gathering, or find another solution.

Does my gathering have to happen in Kansas City?

Not necessarily! Our HBHA community reaches beyond the immediate Kansas City area, and we'd love to celebrate those connections too.

Does every gathering have to include 60 people?

No! We're celebrating HBHA's 60th anniversary with 60 gatherings—not 60 people at every gathering. Small and intimate is exactly what we're going for.

Is this a fundraiser?

No. 60 x 60 is about community-building and connection. We're celebrating 60 years of HBHA by creating opportunities for the people who make this community special to spend time together.

What if I have a question that isn't answered here?

Reach out! Want to host but don't know where to start? Looking for a gathering to join? Know someone who should be involved? Have a great idea? Reach out! 

Contact us at sixtymeals@hbha.edu.