(The following article ran late 2019 in the Dilworth Quarterly newsletter.)
In its eleventh year of serving the community, the Dilworth Soup Kitchen has a new website, new (and continuing) local board members and an expanded focus on offering nourishment, support and encouragement to its 150 guests every week. Lunch is every Monday from 11:30 to 12:30 at the First Christian Church on East Boulevard.
The new www.dilworthsoupkitchen.org site recognizes – and hopes to build on – the efforts of local volunteers, individuals, businesses and organizations in providing fellowship and service to some of the less fortunate in the area. The site provides the opportunity to volunteer or donate to the Soup Kitchen’s cause and also recognizes partners that have been supporting the group’s mission.
The non-profit Dilworth Soup Kitchen provides hot, nutritious lunches to neighbors and guests from throughout Charlotte. An all-volunteer team prepares and serves high-quality fresh food, generously donated by our local partners – individuals, businesses and corporate donors. Guests are greeted, seated and served, restaurant style.
A few years ago, the Dilworth Community Association provided funding through its Dilworth Cares group that was greatly appreciated. The funds were used for kitchen equipment and supplies as well as for bus tickets and gift cards for Soup Kitchen guests. The DCA contribution was the last major funding gift that the Dilworth Soup Kitchen received. The board is using its new website to build awareness about the mission and activities of the Soup Kitchen.
“Our continuing fundraising efforts will allow the Dilworth Soup Kitchen to further enhance the experience of guests and volunteers through the purchase and delivery of food, supplies and equipment,” said Tom Fedell, the new board chairman. He succeeded fellow board member Mary Andujar this year. “We enjoy the quality time we have with our guests, treating them with dignity and respect. And it’s fun interacting with the quality group of volunteers who make it all happen,” Fedell added.
Board members who live in Dilworth include Anne Gildea, Gary Klasen, FCC Pastor Jolin McElroy, Marcia Rowse and Lilly Young. Also on the board are Julie Burch, Julie Bogguss, Tanarge Clegg, Nelson Haynes, Rosemary Harris, Deryl Smoak and Leslie Therrien.
The cooking team is headed by Suzanne Sigmon and Bob Beach, also of Dilworth. One week every month, the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral church cooks and delivers the hot lunch for that day. Just a few months ago, the local Food Lion on Park Road began providing food for our guests. Trader Joe’s, Panera, Dunkin Donuts and Harris Teeter have been long-time partners of the Soup Kitchen.
Additional information is on the website; questions can be directed to info@dilworthsoupkitchen.org.