17th annual Soup’s On Luncheon and Art Show

Nearly 700 attendees gathered at the 17th annual Soup’s On Luncheon and Art Show benefiting The Stewpot, held at Thompson Dallas on Monday, January 27. Co-chairing the annual fundraising event hosted by The Stewpot Alliance benefiting The Stewpot were Dallas community leaders Buddy Jordan and Isabell and Philip Higginbotham. WFAA anchor Cynthia Izaguirre emceed the luncheon. Since 2008, Soup’s On has raised more than $5 million for homeless and at-risk individuals in Dallas. The Stewpot is a ministry of First Presbyterian Church of Dallas (FPC Dallas). 

Philip and Isabell Higginbotham, Buddy Jordan

The event featured an art show including 100 curated pieces of original art created by 22 artists from The Stewpot Art Program, soups by 10 local celebrity chefs, and an inspiring message from luncheon speaker Nicholas Kristof, all thoughtfully woven together in celebration of The Stewpot’s 50th anniversary. Soup’s On served as a kickoff for a year full of celebrating “50 Years of Loving Our Neighbors” and highlighting The Stewpot’s long tradition of love in action.

Brenda Snitzer, Nicholas Kristof, Cynthia Izaguirre and Rev. Amos Disasa

Featured speaker Nicholas Kristof, a two-time Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and best-selling author, captivated the audience and praised the Dallas community and The Stewpot’s progress in helping people rise above poverty and homelessness. Kristof led the guests to sing “Happy Birthday” in celebration of the nonprofit's 50th anniversary. He applauded The Stewpot in helping Dallas reduce unsheltered homelessness by 24%.

“Drops in the buckets – that’s how you fill buckets. That’s how you change the world,” Kristof said during his inspirational remarks.

Brenda Snitzer, executive director of The Stewpot, addressed that the nonprofit has outgrown its space and programs have tripled in size. FPC Dallas recently acquired the four-acre campus previously operated by CitySquare, whose operations ceased in late 2024. The Stewpot is in the process of moving to the campus and has taken on two of CitySquare’s core programs—the Food Pantry and Neighborhood Resource Center, which support 14,000 people annually. 

For the 17th year, Chef Brian C. Luscher of 33 Restaurant Group (Union Bear, Taverna Rossa, Seager & Sons etc.), along with nine other local chefs, created soups in honor of The Stewpot’s legacy of feeding the hungry. Among them were: Jeff Bekavac (Goodwins), J. Chastain (Sister, The Charles, Carlos Elegante), Omar Flores (Even Coast, Muchacho), Michael Haynes (The Stewpot), Danyele McPherson (Purple Collar Kitchen, Goodwins), Janice Provost (Parigi), Anastacia Quiñones-Pittman (José), Jeramie Robison (Thompson Dallas) and Abraham Salum (Salum).

Andrea Meyer with Brian and Courtney Luscher

Since its founding in 1975 to feed people on the streets downtown, The Stewpot has served more than 8.7 million meals. It has also grown to provide comprehensive services and a community of support for people experiencing poverty and homelessness, including programs that stabilize, house and enrich the lives of Dallas neighbors. These include helping people recover over 112,000 vital ID documents to access services and employment, funding 233 four-year scholarships for college or vocational school since 1991 and helping provide housing for 320 people since its rapid rehousing program began in 2021.

Stewpot Alliance Soup’s On Luncheon Returns to The Thompson Dallas

The 16th annual Stewpot Alliance Soup’s On Luncheon and Art Show will be held on Monday, February 5, 2024 from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm at the Thompson Dallas. Co- chairing the annual fundraising event benefitting The Stewpot are community leaders Leah Jordan and Eric Swindle along with Michelle and Rudy Segura. Vaughn and Tex Gross will act as honorary chairs.

Art Show:  11:00 - 11:30 AM

Luncheon:  11:30 AM - 1:00 PM

Luis Arispe - Fruit Basket on Grandma's Quilt

Featured speaker is Father Gregory Boyle, founder of Homeboy Industries in Los Angeles, California, the largest gang intervention, rehabilitation, and re-entry program in the world.

Father Boyle is the author of the 2010 New York Times-bestseller Tattoos on the Heart: The Power of Boundless Compassion. His second book, Barking to the Choir: The Power of Radical Kinship, was published in 2017. And his new and third book is now available, The Whole Language: The Power of Extravagant Tenderness.

Father Gregory Boyle
PHOTO CREDIT: John Blaustein

“We are thrilled to be co-hosting Soup’s On with the Seguras and look forward to all joining us on February 5th at The Thompson.  This event has always been special in that every aspect of the luncheon speaks to the mission and purpose of The Stewpot. Father Boyle will be yet another amazing speaker who truly sets an example of how to create a community and lead with love,” says Eric.

“The theme of community can take on many forms, but at its core, it is all about coming together to create an environment where we see each other and feel safe enough to share our wants and needs. The Stewpot does this for their clients on a daily basis and we have the ability to participate in that. Whether coming together at Soup’s On or being in community with our homeless neighbors on an individual basis, we have the opportunity to make a difference,” adds Leah.

Cornelious Brackens, Jr - A Rose is Still a Rose

As always, some of Dallas’ finest chefs – including J. Chastain, Sister, El Carlos Elegante and The Charles;  Kevin Curry, Fit Men Cook; Omar Flores, Muchacho Tex Mex; Danyele McPherson, Purple Collar Kitchen; Janice Provost, Parigi; Anastasia Quiñones Pittman, José; Jeramie Robison, Thompson Dallas; Abraham Salum, Salum and Juan Sierra of the The Stewpot; under the direction of Chef Brian C. Luscher, culinary director of 33 Restaurant Group – will prepare delicious soups for the beloved fundraiser.

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 as well as a book of recipes sponsored by Central Market.

Proceeds from the luncheon benefit The Stewpot which now, in its 49th year serves our 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 are $300. Tables and sponsorships are also available. For more information, sponsorship opportunities, and tickets, please visit www.soupsondallas.org. The Thompson Dallas is located at 1401 Elm Street. Complimentary valet parking is available to all guests.

Sponsors to date include Michelin Chefs ($50,000) Vaughn & Tex Gross and Commerce Street Capital, LLC., Lyda Hill Philanthropies, Rudy and Michelle Segura, TurningPoint Foundation (Day of Giving Match), Anonymous (Day Of Giving Match) and Chef de Cuisine ($25,000) M.O.B. Family Foundation and Susan and Bill Montgomery and Deedie Rose. 

The Stewpot Soup's On Luncheon Included Keynote by Collins Tuohy

Charlotte Legg, Micki Rawlings, Collins Tuohy, Mayor Mike Rawlings and Christi Nicolas

The 8th annual Stewpot Alliance Soup’s On! Luncheon and Art Sale was recently held at downtown Dallas’ historic Union Station.  Featured speaker was Collins Tuohy, whose life was chronicled in The Blind Side.

 

The luncheon featured a dozen of Dallas’ finest chefs serving up a signature soup as the first course of the meal.  Chefs included Chef Chairman Brian C. Luscher of The Grape and Luscher’s Red Hots; Chef Brent Anderson, Wolfgang Puck Catering; Chefs Melody Bishop & Dennis Kelley, LARK on the Park; Chef Omar Flores, Casa Rubia; Chef Danyele McPherson, Remedy; Chef Misti Norris, Small Brewpub; Chef Suki Otsuki, Mudhen; Chef Janice Provost, Parigi; Chef Abraham Salum, Salum and Komali; Chef Sarah Snow, The Grape and Chef Brian Zenner, On-Premise.

 

Micki and Mayor Mike Rawlings were Honorary Chairs, co-chaired by Stewpot Alliance members Charlotte Legg and Christi Nicolas.

 

Keynote speaker, Collins Tuohy urged guests to see the value that every person holds and not to let presumptions skew the judgement of others.  Tuohy encourages everyone to do something to change the life of another person.

 

The Stewpot, which celebrated 40 years of service to the Dallas community in 2015, provides meals to our homeless and at-risk neighbors as well as a full range of health and human services, youth activities and cultural programs for those in need.  In 2014, The Stewpot invested in a downtown neighborhood revitalization project by helping to establish Encore Park. Encore Park is a nonprofit that encompasses an outdoor community garden and amphitheater, and in the future, will provide space for nonprofit agencies partnering with The Stewpot.

The Stewpot Alliance Announces Chefs for Annual Soup's On Luncheon and Art Sale

The seventh annual Stewpot Alliance SOUP’S ON! Luncheon and Art Sale to be held Tuesday, January 20 at the Omni Dallas features a dozen of the Dallas’ finest chefs serving up signature soups to benefit The Stewpot and Encore Park. Soup’s On! features keynote speaker Jimmy Wayne, emcee and Dallas Morning News columnist Steve Blow and includes an art sale of original paintings from artists of the Stewpot Open Art.

 

Chef Brian C. Luscher of the popular Grape Restaurant acts as Chef Chairman of the luncheon along with Bruno Davaillon, The Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek; Omar Flores, Casa Rubia; Chad Houser, Café Momentum, Danyele McPherson, Remedy; Matt McCallister, FT33; Chad Kelley, Café Pacific; Janice Provost, Parigi; Abraham Salum, Salum; Oliver Sitrin, The Blind Butcher; Sarah Snow, The Grape and Jason Weaver of the Omni Dallas will prepare a signature soup as the first course of the luncheon.

Chef Brian C. Luscher of The Grape - Chef Chairman

Advocate Jimmy Wayne is a former foster child turned country music singer/songwriter whose songs highlight his mission to bring awareness to kids who age out of the foster system and become homeless. In 2010, Jimmy walked from Nashville to Phoenix, AZ to raise awareness for kids aging out of the system, and the following year became the national spokesperson for CASA. Jimmy was instrumental in getting the bill changed in California and Tennessee to extend the age of foster care to 21. His recently released autobiography Walk to Beautiful chronicles his own struggle through the foster care system.

Stewpot Alliance member and civic leader Susie Simon serves as honorary chairman of the popular luncheon to be chaired by Anne Besser and Jackie Moore.

Keynote Speaker Jimmy Wayne

Almost 40 years ago, The Stewpot began providing meals to our homeless and at-risk neighbors. Programs have developed to assist with medical needs, counseling, enrichment of children and youth, job training, and cultural expression. Seizing a remarkable opportunity to acquire the historic buildings at 508 and 515 Park, The Stewpot has embarked on a groundbreaking project entitled Encore Park. When completed, this expanded campus will include an outdoor amphitheater, community garden, a Museum of Street Culture, an Art Gallery for the Open Art Program, and expanded space for its partner agencies and its own programs.

The Soup’s On! reception and art sale begins at 11a.m on January 20 with the luncheon at 12 p.m.  Sponsorships, tables and individual tickets (beginning at $150) now available. For more information and to purchase tickets visit www.SoupsOnDallas.org.

THE STEWPOT ALLIANCE SOUP’S ON! LUNCHEON SHOWCASES TOP CHEFS AND AUTHOR LIZ MURRAY

The sixth annual Stewpot Alliance Soup’s On! Luncheon and Art Sale was held Thursday, January 30 at the Omni Dallas. With a record attendance of nearly 700 supporters, this year's luncheon was the most successful yet.  Last year, The Stewpot Alliance was able to donate well over $300,000 to The Stewpot.

Stewpot Alliance members Sarah Leverett Charbonnet and Gail Davis co-chaired the 2014 luncheon. Ellen and John McStay acted as honorary chairs.

Sarah Leverett Charbonnet, Liz Murray, Gail Davis

Photos by Rob Wythe

The luncheon featured ten of the city’s finest chefs serving up signature soups to benefit The Stewpot and Encore Park. Soup’s On! also included an art sale of original paintings and handmade jewelry from the artists of the Stewpot Open Art Programs, keynote speaker Liz Murray, emcee and Dallas Morning News columnist Steve Blow and a performance by Shoot Low Sheriff.

Back: Nathan Tate, Boulevardier; Chad Kelley, Café Pacific; Tim Woehr, Parigi; Ian Tate, Komali; Omar Flores, Driftwood; Jason Weaver, Omni Dallas

Front: Brian C. Luscher, The Grape; Matt McCallister, FT 33; Danyele McPherson, The Grape; Janice Provost, Parigi; Bruno Davaillon, Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek

 

Keynote speaker Liz Murray, the subject of the TV film Homeless to Harvard and author of Breaking Night, spoke about the unlikely turn of events that changed her life and her struggle to triumph over adversity and dream big. Murray’s life as the child of cocaine-addicted parents in the Bronx was bitterly grim. By age 15, Murray’s mom had died and she was homeless—living on the streets, riding the subway all night and eating from dumpsters. Determined to take charge of her life, Murray finished high school in just two years while camping out in New York City parks and subway stations. Murray received her B.S. in Psychology from Harvard University in June 2009.

Honorary Chairs Ellen & John McStay

 

As chef chairman, Chef Brian C. Luscher of The Grape recruited fellow chefs Bruno Davaillon, The Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek; Omar Flores, Driftwood; Matt McCallister, FT 33; Danyele McPherson, The Grape; Chad Kelley, Café Pacific; Janice Provost, Parigi; Ian Tate, Komali; Nathan Tate, Boulevardier and Jason Weaver, Omni Dallas to prepare the first course of the luncheon.

Robin Weir, Gretchen Gerlach, Susan Shores 

More than 35 years ago, The Stewpot began providing meals to our homeless and at-risk neighbors. Programs have developed to assist with medical needs, counseling, enrichment of children and youth, job training, and cultural expression. Seizing a remarkable opportunity to acquire the historic buildings at 508 and 515 Park, The Stewpot has embarked on a groundbreaking project entitled Encore Park. When completed, this expanded campus will include an outdoor amphitheater, community garden, a Museum of Street Culture, an Art Gallery for the Open Art Program, and expanded space for its partner agencies and its own programs.

6th Annual Stewpot Soup's On Luncheon

Mark your calendars for one of our favorite January events that combines Dallas' best chefs, art auction and an inspiring speaker.

The 6th annual Stewpot Alliance Soup’s On! Luncheon and Art Sale to be held Thursday, January 30, 2014 at the Omni Dallas features ten of Dallas’ finest chefs serving up signature soups to benefit The Stewpot and Encore Park. 

Soup’s On! features keynote speaker Liz Murray, emcee and Dallas Morning News columnist Steve Blow, performances by Dallas’ own Shoot Low Sheriff and includes an art sale of more than fifty original paintings and handmade jewelry from artists of the Stewpot Open Art Programs.

Liz Murray

Chef Brian C. Luscher of the popular Grape Restaurant acts as Chef Chairman of the luncheon who along with Bruno Davaillon, The Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek; Omar Flores, Driftwood; Danyele McPherson, The Grape; Matt McCallister, FT33; Chad Kelley, Café Pacific; Janice Provost, Parigi; Abraham Salum, Salum; Nathan Tate, Boulevardier and Jason Weaver of the Omni Dallas will prepare a signature soup as the first course of the luncheon.

Chef Brian C. Luscher

Keynote speaker Liz Murray, the subject of the TV film Homeless to Harvard and author of Breaking Night speaks about the unlikely turn of events that changed her life and her struggle to triumph over adversity and dream big.  Murray’s life as the child of cocaine-addicted parents in the Bronx was bitterly grim.   By age 15, Murray’s mom had died and she was homeless—living on the streets, riding the subway all night and eating from dumpsters.  Determined to take charge of her life, Murray finished high school in just two years while camping out in New York City parks and subway stations.  Murray received her B.S. in Psychology from Harvard University in June 2009.

Stewpot Alliance members Sarah Leverett Charbonnet and Gail Davis chair the 2014 luncheon along with honorary chairs and civic leaders Ellen and John McStay.

More than 35 years ago, The Stewpot began providing meals to our homeless and at-risk neighbors. Programs have developed to assist with medical needs, counseling, enrichment of children and youth, job training, and cultural expression. Seizing a remarkable opportunity to acquire the historic buildings at 508 and 515 Park, The Stewpot has embarked on a groundbreaking project entitled Encore Park. When completed, this expanded campus will include an outdoor amphitheater, community garden, a Museum of Street Culture, an Art Gallery for the Open Art Program, and expanded space for its partner agencies and its own programs.

The reception and art sale begins at 11a.m. with the luncheon at 12 p.m.  The Omni Dallas is located at 555 South Lamar.  Sponsorships, tables and individual tickets (beginning at $150) now available. For more information and to purchase tickets call 214-746-2785 ext. 234 or go to www.SoupsOnDallas.org.

Soup's On Luncheon A 'Souper' Success

The fifth annual Stewpot Alliance Soup’s On! Luncheon and Art Sale was held Tuesday, January 29 at the Omni Dallas. Co-chaired by Kay Lunceford and Trish Weigand under the encouragement and guidance of honorary chairs, Joan and Elvis Mason, the annual luncheon which raises money for the services and programs offered by The Stewpot and soon-to-open 508 Park had a record attendance and moved total donations from the five-year history to over $1.2 million.

Honorary chairs Elvis and Joan Mason

Author Wes Moore, Kay Lunceford, Steve Blow, Trish Weigand and Dr. Joe Clifford

Performances by the Booker T. Washington High School for the Performing and Visual Arts Varsity Choir and Ensemble and Dallas Wind Symphony greeted guests who mixed and mingled between original pieces of art by artists of The Stewpot Open Art Program and dining packages donated by participating chefs. Dallas Morning News columnist and Stewpot supporter Steve Blow emceed the event while New York Times best-selling author Wes Moore offered an autobiographical keynote lecture inspired by the ‘other’ Wes Moore who remains in prison for the murder of an off-duty Baltimore police officer and is the subject of Moore’s The Other Wes Moore: One Name, Two Fates.

Christy Coltrin and sculptor Brad Oldham

Luncheon guests received handcrafted pewter coins as a token of appreciation from renowned sculptor Brad Oldham in collaboration with the Stewpot artists. Each coin was handcrafted by Oldham and the Stewpot artists and features West Wind, an architectural detail found on the 508 Park building.

Chefs Omar Flores, Jason Weaver, Bruno Davaillon and Brian Luscher

Participating chefs included Randall Copeland, Restaurant Ava; Bruno Davaillon, The Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek; Omar Flores, Driftwood; Keith Hanks, The Capital Grille; Al Havens, Salum; Jason Maddy, Oak; Danyele McPherson, The Grape;  Chad Kelley, Café Pacific; Janice Provost, Parigi; Anastasia Quiñones, Komali; Abraham Salum, Salum; Nathan Tate, Boulevardier and Jason Weaver, Omni Dallas.

Artist Leon Pollard

The 508 Park Project has acquired the historic building located across the street from The Stewpot and is transforming it into a multi-use facility to include a music academy, recording studio, concert amphitheater, rooftop terrace, community garden, and the Museum of Street Culture. In addition, The Stewpot's successful Open Art Program will be located there and a gallery for the homeless artists will be opened. The Project seeks to bring together people of all cultures and faiths through dialogue, education, music, and art.

The Fifth Annual Soup's On Luncheon

The fifth annual SOUP’S ON! Stewpot Alliance Luncheon and Art Sale will be held Tuesday, January 29, 2013 at the Omni Dallas featuring more than a dozen of the city’s finest chefs serving up signature soups to benefit The Stewpot and 508 Park.

SOUP’S ON! includes an art sale of more than fifty original paintings and handmade jewelry from the artists of the Stewpot Open Art Programs, keynote speaker Wes Moore, emcee and Dallas Morning News columnist Steve Blow and a performances by The Dallas Wind Symphony and Booker T. Washington High School for the Performing Visual Arts Varsity Choir.

Chef Brian C. Luscher of the iconic Grape Restaurant acts as Chef Chair of the luncheon along with Dallas’ best chefs preparing their own signature soup for the first course.  Participating chefs include Randall Copeland, Restaurant Ava; Bruno Davaillon, The Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek; Omar Flores, Driftwood; Keith Hanks, The Capital Grille; Al Havens, Salum  Jason Maddy, Oak; Danyele McPherson, The Grape; Chad Kelley, Café Pacific; Janice Provost, Parigi; Anastasia Quiñones, Komali; Abraham Salum, Salum; Nathan Tate, Boulevardier and Jason Weaver, Omni Dallas.

The acclaimed author of The Other Wes Moore: One Name, Two Fates, Wes Moore’s best-selling book chronicles the parallels between two men from the same city, around the same age, with the same name and similar upbringings and their astonishingly divergent destinies with the ‘other’ Wes Moore in prison, convicted for the murder of an off-duty Baltimore police officer.  Seeking to help young people redirect their lives, Moore is committed to being a positive influence and helping kids find the support they need to enact change.

Stewpot Alliance members Kay Lunceford and Trish Weigand chair the 2013 luncheon along with honorary chairs and civic leaders Joan and Elvis Mason.

The 508 Park Project has acquired the historic building located across the street from The Stewpot and is transforming it into a multi-use facility to include a music academy, recording studio, concert amphitheater, rooftop terrace, community garden, and the Museum of Street Culture. The Project seeks to bring together people of all cultures and faiths through dialogue, education, music, and art.

The Stewpot offers a safe haven for homeless and at-risk individuals of Dallas, providing resources for basic survival needs as well as opportunities to start a new life.  The Stewpot offers case management services and job training; street outreach for drug/alcohol addiction; accessible dental and medical care, mental health services, and legal aid to the homeless and at-risk; and sequential programs for children and youth that help break the cycle of poverty for future generations.

The reception and art sale begins at 11a.m. with the luncheon following at noon.  Sponsorships, tables and individual tickets (beginning at $150) now available. For more information and to purchase tickets call 214-746-2785 ext. 234 or go to www.SoupsOnDallas.org.

2012 Soup's On! Luncheon

2012 SOUP'S ON! Luncheon

Honorary Chairs: Tom and Sally Dunning
Keynote Speaker: Jeannette Walls - Author of The Glass Castle and Half Broke Horses: A True Life Novel
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
11:00 am - 12:00 Noon - Reception & Art Show
12:00 Noon - 1:15 pm - Luncheon
Union Station - 400 South Houston Street

Click here for more information and registration.

Soup's On! Annual Luncheon

Third Annual SOUP'S ON! Luncheon

"Creating a Vision of Leadership"

Tuesday, January 25, 2011

11:00 am - Reception & Silent Auction

12:00-1:00 pm - Luncheon & Program

Union Station

Morton H. Meyerson, 2011 Soup's On! Speaker
The Stewpot’s signature event Soup’s On! showcases the best chefs in town while benefitting Dallas’ homeless population served by The Stewpot. Just as a great recipe calls for multiple ingredients that enhance one another, The Stewpot offers a range of services that help the poor move from poverty to independent lives!

Underwriting/Table Sales contract click here

To learn more about how your donation helps make a difference click here

For more information, please call 972-381- 6006