Mike Glynn is living proof that when you are going through a really rough time, there is a community of people around you who is more than willing to lift you back up.
In the spring of 2024, Glynn was feeling hopeless and depressed.
To get out of the house, Glynn went to Philly’s Sports Grill in Ahwatukee almost every Friday for lunch.
After noticing several other diners eating alone, Glynn decided to take a giant step out of his comfort zone and invite others to join him.
Glynn went to the Ahwatukee411 group on Facebook and composed an open invitation, asking people to meet the following day at noon at Philly’s Sports Grill, 4855 E. Warner Road.
“Three times I tried to post it, but I kept deleting it,” he says.
Finally, on May 9, Glynn crafted another invite, took a deep breath and tapped “Post”.
As he wrote, “Best case scenario: I meet some new people. Worst case scenario: It’s a usual Friday.”
On May 10, Glynn was pleasantly surprised to see three guys waiting at Philly’s to have lunch with him.
The men enjoyed a nice meal, great conversation and some laughs, and with that, the A411 Friday Lunch Group began.
The following week, Glynn posted another invitation on Ahwatukee411. A few more people showed up.
“I thought I would have maybe two or three people a couple of times, but within two to three weeks it just kept going,” Glynn says.
“After six weeks the lunch transitioned and moved beyond me into something much bigger. I had no clue this would ever happen; these lunches have gone so far beyond anything I’ve ever imagined.”
Currently, an average of 30 to 35 people, a mix of regulars and newcomers, gather every Friday at Philly’s for great food and plenty of companionship, camaraderie and community support.
Natasha the server takes good care of the group each week, Glynn says, cheerfully taking orders and quickly remembering diners’ food and drink preferences.
It didn’t take long for Glynn to realize that the weekly lunch was not only helping him feel better, it was also a launching point for new connections.
For instance, two women who regularly attend realized they had attended the same high school 50 years ago, and another group of women started a bridge group.
“These are the type of relationships that people crave – the type of relationships that move beyond just an orchestrated meeting each week,” Glynn says, adding that he also gets together with several new friends he’s met at Philly’s for dinner or watching sports.
Glynn and a number of other regulars have also formed a side group that helps the local community, including a recent toy drive to benefit Armer Foundation for Kids.
For Glynn, the Friday lunches have healed him in ways he never imagined.
“They have been such a big lift for me. They are just a blast to go to,” he says, adding that he’s experienced a “boatload of growth” in recovering from depression.
“They are all about starting to have fun again and communicating. There are definitely different layers to the lunches, including a general underlying current of community and family and warmth.”
Looking back, Glynn is glad he took a leap of faith and posted the invitation on Ahwatukee411.
For others who are going through a rough time, he offers empathy and understanding.
“You are not alone. There are a lot of people who will help and listen if you just give them a chance. The Ahwatukee community is incredible. Give them a chance to help and love you.”
Or, head to Philly’s at noon on Friday and join Glynn and the others. They will be very happy to meet you.
“They are all about starting to have fun again and communicating. There are definitely different layers to the lunches, including a general underlying current of community and family and warmth.”