As guests arrived at the Haas Moto Museum on Wednesday, March 1, for The Stewpot Alliance‘s Soup’s On! patron party, The Stewpot Executive Director Brenda Snitzer was looking forward to Friday, when she and her family were going on a cruise through the Panama Canal. To prepare for the voyage, her mom had brought a book on the canal for all to read up on.
Speaking of trips, Debbie and David Johnson had just returned from a visit to Australia and New Zealand. David admitted that the New Zealanders were protective about the island, preventing any plants or animals from entering. During the trip they had met a couple from New Zealand who invited them to their home for dinner.
In telling Trammell “Sandy” Crow of their excursion, Sandy agreed that New Zealand was indeed a wonderful place. In fact, he has a home there.
Debbie, who serves breakfast at The Stewpot, laughed when she recalled one morning when a woman was shocked to learn that the Johnsons had been married 45 years. She told Debbie, “We’ve got to talk.”
When asked about the amount raised from January’s fundraiser at The Thompson Hotel, Brenda said that the total would be announced in the weeks ahead, but thanks to Co-Chairs Christy Coltrin and Brad Oldham and keynote speaker Cynt Marshall, that number was going to be impressive. She also admitted that having the event just weeks after the close of the year was a challenge for staff and volunteers. But in hindsight it was well worth it and got the year off with a boost.
Regarding the Otters Guides sculptures created by Brad, Christy reported that there were still a few remaining for purchase, with 100% of the proceeds benefiting The Stewpot.
According to The Stewpot Alliance President Katy King, plans are already starting to take place for the 2024 fundraiser with Leah Jordan and Eric Swindle and Michelle and Rudy Segura serving as co-chairs. Michelle laughed when asked if she and Rudy volunteered at The Stewpot. Not only do they pitch in, they bring their kids to help out.