Leave it to those charging-ahead sisters Thella Bowens and Carolyn Jefferson to turn out people with zeal for The Stewpot Alliance‘s “Soup’s On!” fundraiser on Tuesday, April 12. Their recipe for success was the area’s most giving chefs sharing and souping their yummies in addition to having a hit-out-of-the-park speaker/FitMenCook founder/peanut butter loving Kevin Curry at the podium. For more than 500 guests at the 14th annual Soup’s On! Luncheon and Art Sale at the Hilton Anatole, it was deliciously fulfilling event. Here’s a report from the field:
A joyous crowd of Stewpot supporters returned to the Hilton Anatole for the 14th annual Stewpot Alliance Soup’s On! Luncheon and Art Sale on Tuesday, April 12. Co-chaired by First Presbyterian members, sisters Thella Bowen and Carolyn Jefferson graciously greeted guests and shared their longtime service experiences with The Stewpot, transforming the lives of Dallas’ most marginalized communities.
Emmy award-winning anchor and reporter, Jenny Anchondo of CW33 served as emcee of the luncheon, introducing a star roster of local chefs who contributed their time and talents once again with savory soups and recipes to be shared. On stage, Stewpot Alliance President Marion Armstrong gifted chefs with a unique spoon designed by Dallas artists Brad Oldham and Christy Coltrin of Brad Oldham Sculpture. Since the designers are often inspired by the speaker, the Soups On spoons featured a honeycomb and a bee in the 2022 design.
Following remarks by Stewpot Executive Director Brenda Snitzer, FitMenCook founder and highly sought-after personality took to the stage to prepare an inexpensive and healthy chili prepared with groceries available from The Stewpot. Kevin’s secret ingredient…peanut butter. A group of taste testers invited on stage raved about the quick and easy chili.
The Harvard graduate once struggled with depression and food issues following the 2008 economic crisis and turned to fast food as a solution to little income. Following his own need to apply for social services, Kevin discovered it was cheaper and easier to prepare his own meals and soon felt healthier and happier.
With over 2 million followers around the world, Kevin has built a following by showing people from every walk of life how to make healthy and delicious recipes accessible to any budget. What started as a blog to track his health journey in 2012 became his full-time job in 2014.
Kevin has been featured in national online publications such as Forbes, Men’s Health, SELF, and Shape Magazine, as well as television appearances on Live! With Kelly and Ryan, Rachel Ray Show, TODAY, Good Morning America, Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders: Making the Team, and many others.
Sponsors included Ben E. Keith, Commerce Street Capital, Lyda Hill Philanthropies, Vaughn and Ted Gross, The M.O.B. Family Foundation/Susan and Bill Montgomery, Sammye and Mike Myers as well as Turning Point Foundation’s $50,000 Matching Gift Challenge.
Word has it that the Oldhams, who have been way beyond longtime supporters of The Stewpot, will be co-chairing the 2023 fundraiser. Stay tuned for future plans.
* Photo credit: Rob Wythe