Your Say: Feb. 22-28, 2018
SOUPer Bowl Scores for Light House
Over 200 people braved the cold rain February 4 for the 12th Annual SOUPer Bowl Lunch at Heritage Baptist Church in Annapolis, raising $1,900 for the Light House Homeless Prevention and Support Center in Annapolis.
Students from the Light House BEST Culinary Job Training Program and volunteers from the church and community ladled soups prepared by Chef Zachary Pope during the 90-minute event. Guests enjoyed a selection of chili, chicken noodle or baked potato soups along with salad, bread and dessert. Cakes, flowers and soup ingredients were donated by Whole Foods of Annapolis. There was no admission fee, but donations were requested to help the Light House.
Heritage Baptist Church is an affiliate congregational partner of the shelter, offering support and resources throughout the year.
Strides Toward Ending Hunger in Calvert County
Because of our community’s generosity, 2017 was another record-breaking year for End Hunger In Calvert County. Together, we facilitated the distribution of 1,715,463 pounds of food and product to over 15,000 people through 44 Partner Feeding Organizations. Over 4,486 holiday meals were distributed. Three Volunteer Maryland AmeriCorp members worked alongside us in our warehouse, programs and food pantries.
We also supported a team of local firefighters who provided relief to Hurricane Harvey first responders. Donations totaled 23,928 pounds of supplies, 120 mattresses and nearly $24,000.
We worked with The Autism Project and Calvert County Public Schools to provide hands-on job training for their students. Throughout the year, 10 students worked an average of 22 hours per week at The Lobby Coffee Bar and Café.
The generosity of Calvert County continues to leave us speechless. Though the images of hunger change and shift from year to year, the generosity of this great county remains steadfast.
Together, we have created a culture of generosity in Calvert County. We have made it normal to look after and care for our neighbors, and together, we have challenged each other to become a community known for embracing the ideals of give where you live. These are roots that will only continue to deepen and strengthen. They’re values our children will inherit.
As we move through 2018, our best days are ahead of us; there is still great work for us to do. I look forward to the challenges and victories that 2018 will bring. Because we will face them together.
May we always remember that on the other side of everything we do is a person or a family who is strengthened by knowing they live in a county that cares.
Thank you for your continued partnership with End Hunger In Calvert County.