Above: This year, an annual celebration of a social group that uses Southborough’s Dunkin’ as its hangout, gave the manager (center, in red) a very special holiday gift. (image cropped from contributed photo)
I’m sharing a feelgood story from a group of Southborough community members who call themselves the “Dunkin’ Roundtable”.
The group of loyal regulars at the Southborough Dunkin’ apparently shows their appreciation for the staff in a big way each year. And this year, that took on an extra dimension as they showed their support for the manager after she suffered a devastating loss.
Here is the story that a member asked me to share:
Nearly 30 longtime patrons gathered Thursday evening for the annual Dunkin’ Donuts Holiday Party at Carbone’s in Hopkinton, continuing a cherished tradition rooted in friendship, gratitude, and community spirit.
The group, affectionately known as the “Dunkin’ Roundtable,” has frequented the Dunkin’ Donuts on Route 85 in Southborough for more than 25 years. What began as a simple year-end dinner to thank the morning staff has evolved into an enduring tradition marked by camaraderie, storytelling, and goodwill. Today, the annual gathering serves as a meaningful reunion for friends bonded by years of shared routine and mutual respect.
This year’s celebration carried special significance as members of the “Dunkin’ Roundtable” honored Lucy Moreno, Manager of Dunkin’ in Southborough Town Center Plaza, following the tragic loss of her son, Kevin, earlier this year. In a lasting tribute to Kevin’s memory and the values he represented – hard work, integrity, and a commitment to personal growth – the group announced the establishment of a nonprofit Memorial Scholarship Fund in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Approximately $1,500 was raised upon the scholarship’s launch.
Beginning in 2026, the scholarship will be awarded annually to a Dunkin’ Southborough associate who exemplifies those same values. Eligible recipients may be pursuing higher education or training through a college or university, technical or vocational school, apprenticeship, certificate program, military education, or workforce entry and on-the-job training.
The scholarship recipient will be selected by a committee led by Moreno in partnership with members of the “Dunkin’ Roundtable.”
“One of life’s greatest honors is caring for those who have cared for us,” said a longtime Roundtable member. “That spirit shines in this group. In a world that can feel dark and cold, these people are the light and warmth of our community.”
