‘Skid Row Marathon’ judge to keynote

SOUP’S ON!

By Amity Thomas

The 12th annual Stewpot Alliance Soup’s On! Luncheon and Art Sale will be held Thursday, Feb. 20 at 11 a.m. at the Omni Dallas Hotel featuring Judge Craig Mitchell as the keynote speaker. Proceeds benefit The Stewpot, now entering its 45th year of service to our homeless and at-risk neighbors, providing meals, medical and dental services, counseling and case management, youth and family stabilization programs, as well as therapeutic and vocational activities.

Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Craig Mitchell is the founder of the Skid Row Running Club, which is featured in the documentary “Skid Row Marathon.” Founded in 2012, The Skid Row Running Club provides a running program for the skid row community of Los Angeles and involves the larger community in supporting its members in overcoming alcohol/drug abuse and achieving positive life goals. Judge Mitchell will share inspirational stories about how the power of running can change lives. 

As always, some of Dallas’ finest chefs — under the direction of Chef Brian C. Luscher, culinary director of 33 Restaurant Group — will prepare signature soups for the occasion. Guests can view and purchase one-of-a-kind pieces of art crafted by artists in The Stewpot Art Program.  

Co-chairs for this year’s luncheon are Amy Hegi and Libby Hegi, with Ann and John C. Hallam, Sara and Robert Hallam and Fanchon and Howard Hallam serving as Honorary Chairs. “In our great and prosperous country, nobody should ever be hungry, not even for a minute. No one should lack the means to build a life free from poverty and homelessness,” says Howard Hallam. “The Stewpot works to make this true.” Ben E. Keith will serve as the presenting sponsor.

A dozen top Dallas toques, including Jeff Bekavac, Zoli’s Pizza and Cane Rosso; Omar Flores, Whistle Britches; Brian C. Luscher, 33 Restaurant Group; Danyele McPherson, 80/20 Hospitality; Suki Otsuki, Meddlesome Moth; Caroline Perini, Easy Slider; Janice Provost, Parigi; Anastasia Quiñones, José; Javier Reyes, The Stewpot; Jeramie Robison, City Hall Bistro; Abraham Salum, Salum; Greg Wallace, Omni Dallas and Nick Walker. Virgin Hotels Dallas will prepare signature soups for the occasion.

Since its inception, The Stewpot has embraced the concept that transformation and growth take place when a person’s basic needs are met, and creative spirit is nourished. Soup’s On! will kick off The Stewpot’s 45th Anniversary year, celebrating the history of enhancing the quality of life for adults, children and families experiencing homelessness and extreme poverty in Dallas.

 The Omni Dallas Hotel is located at 555 South Lamar in downtown Dallas. Email [email protected] or call 214-746-2785, extension 234 for more information.