Creative couple to chair annual lunch

By Amity Thomas

The 15th annual Stewpot Alliance Soup’s On Luncheon and Art Show will be held on Monday, Jan. 30 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Thompson Dallas in downtown Dallas. Artists Christy Coltrin and Brad Oldham chair the annual fundraising event benefitting The Stewpot.

“No two clients at The Stewpot are the same. Effectively helping our homeless and at-risk neighbors requires a deep knowledge of the issues and resourceful thinking to customize programs and services,” Coltrin said. “We want to celebrate the creative thinking used at The Stewpot that translates into real help. The luncheon theme is creativity.” 

“The Stewpot’s Art Program uses art for both therapeutic exploration and a source of income for those they serve,” Oldham added. “As artists, we see how lives are changed through such a program, and we are challenging ourselves to share our skills at Soup’s On. For example, instead of a floral centerpiece on the luncheon table we made a limited-edition bronze sculpture called Otter Guides that will be for sale.”

The featured speaker is Dallas Mavericks CEO and author Cynt Marshall, who boldly confronts tough issues in business and in life in her new book titled You’ve Been Chosen. Cynt shares how she beat personal and professional odds while also helping others see how they are uniquely equipped to thrive. Dallas Mavericks DJ Ivy Awino will serve as emcee and sound producer for the luncheon. 

As always, some of Dallas’ finest chefs, including Jeff Bekavac, PILF Group; J. Chastain, Sister;  Kevin Curry, Fit Men Cook; Omar Flores, Muchacho Tex Mex; Danyele McPherson, 80/20 Hospitality; Janice Provost, Parigi; Anastasia Quiñones Pittman, José; Javier Reyes, The Stewpot; Jeramie Robison, Thompson Dallas; Abraham Salum, Salum under the direction of Chef Brian C. Luscher, culinary director of 33 Restaurant Group will prepare signature soups for the occasion. 

Central Market sponsored a recipe booklet featuring the soup recipes and cooking tips as a gift for luncheon goers. Each guest will also take home a commemorative soup bowl featuring artwork from The Stewpot artists as well as have the opportunity to view and purchase one-of-a-kind pieces of art crafted by artists in The Stewpot Art Program.  

“Soup’s On is one of the most heartfelt luncheons in Dallas, and we look forward to treating our guests to a unique fundraiser while helping raise much-needed money for The Stewpot,” Katy King, The Stewpot Alliance president said. 

“Demand for our programs and services like Rapid Rehousing is up, and we need the additional support to keep individuals and families off the streets,” Brenda Snitzer, executive director of The Stewpot said. “The winter months are especially difficult for our clients to stay out of the often-harsh weather conditions. Each person rehoused or stabilized to stay housed can literally be a life saved.”

Proceeds from the luncheon benefit The Stewpot, which — now in its 48th year — serves neighbors who are experiencing and at risk of homelessness by providing breakfast, lunch and dinner, counseling and case management, rapid rehousing, medical and dental services via onsite partners, youth and family stabilization programs, as well as therapeutic and vocational activities.

Single tickets for Soup’s On begin at $250 with Early Bird pricing before December 15. Sponsorships are available. 

For more information, sponsorship opportunities, and tickets to the event, visit soupsondallas.org. 

The Thompson Dallas is located at 1401 Elm Street. Complimentary valet parking is available to all guests.