2026 Soup's On Luncheon Presented by HEB

 

Monday, February 2, 2026

Art Show: 11:00 - 11:30 AM

Luncheon: 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM

Thompson Dallas, 1401 Elm Street, Dallas, TX 75202

2026 Chairs: Cory & Shane Bowen and Ashley & Danny Ellis

Keynote Speaker: Hailee Kaleem Wright

Soup's On is The Stewpot's annual fundraising luncheon and art show.

https://www.thestewpot.org/soups-on

“Living in Harmony” is the theme of next year’s luncheon which features keynote speaker Hailee Kaleem Wright, an actor, singer and songwriter currently starring in Moulin Rouge on Broadway. Raised in Houston, Hailee experienced homelessness at a young age and shares her journey to become a Broadway star. With philanthropy at the heart of her mission, Hailee continues to use her platform to uplift and inspire the next generation.

 

Proceeds from the luncheon benefit The Stewpot, which celebrated a 50-year milestone in 2025. The Stewpot loves and serves our Dallas neighbors, helping them overcome homelessness and poverty 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.

As always, some of Dallas’ finest chefs are invited to join Chef Brian C. Luscher of 33 Restaurant Group, the force behind popular restaurant concepts including Suburban Yacht Club, Union Bear and Taverna Rossa to prepare the first course of the meal. 

This year’s roster of celebrity chefs includes Jeff Bekavac, Goodwins; J. Chastain, Sister, El Carlos Elegante and The Charles; Omar Flores, Casa Brasa, Even Coast and Muchacho Tex-Mex; Danyele McPherson, Leela’s Wine Bar; Misti Norris, Rainbow Cat and Leela’s Wine Bar; Janice Provost, Parigi; Anastasia Quiñones Pittman, Oh Hi! Hospitality; Jeramie Robison, Thompson Dallas and Abraham Salum of Salum.

Each guest will also take home a commemorative soup bowl featuring artwork from The Stewpot artists and will 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.

Tables and sponsorships are also available. Individual tickets for Soup’s On are $300. For more information or to purchase sponsorships and tickets, please visit soupsondallas.org. Complimentary valet parking is available to all guests.

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 January 27

 

Monday, January 27, 2025

Art Show: 11:00 - 11:30 AM

Luncheon: 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM

Thompson Dallas, 1401 Elm Street, Dallas, TX 75202

2025 Chairs: Buddy Jordan and Isabell & Philip Higginbotham

Emcee: Cynthia Izaguirre

Keynote Speaker: Nicholas Kristof

Nicholas Kristof is a two-time Pulitzer Prize-Winning journalist and best-selling author. His work has taken him to 6 continents and over 150 countries. Nick has won innumerable awards including the Dayton Literary Peace Prize, the Anne Frank Award and the Fred Cuny Award for Prevention of Armed Conflict. He also serves on the board of Harvard University and the Association of American Rhodes Scholars.

His newest book, Chasing Hope, chronicles his career as an international journalist and his transition back home to Oregon. Despite witnessing horrific atrocities across the globe, Nick shares stories of hope through the extraordinary people he met along the way. He stands firm in his belief that side by side with the worst of humanity, you always see the best.

As always, some of Dallas’ finest chefs are invited to join Chef Brian C. Luscher of 33 Restaurant Group to prepare the first course of the meal. Each guest will also take home a commemorative soup bowl featuring artwork from The Stewpot artists and will 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.

Click here to Meet the Chefs

Purchase tickets: Soup's On | The Stewpot

Stewpot Fall Party

The Stewpot Alliance recently kicked off the season with a fall party at the home of Cory and Shane Bowen announcing details for the upcoming Soup’s On Luncheon and Art Sale. 

Brad Oldham and Thella Bowens

Soup’s On Luncheon chairs Buddy Jordan, Isabell and Philip Higginbotham along with Brenda Ewing Snitzer, executive director of The Stewpot and Stewpot Alliance president Bea Njuguna revealed the 50th-anniversary theme which will be all about The Stewpot’s long tradition of love in action.

Carolyn Jefferson, Kay and Gene Lunceford

The new “50 Years of Loving Our Neighbors” logo and a one-of-a-kind collaborative work from the artists of the Art Program reflecting the Loving Our Neighbors theme were unveiled and will be featured as part of the anniversary celebration throughout the year. Soup’s On will serve as a kick-off for a full year of celebratory events.

Isabell and Philip Higginbotham

Now in its 18th year, Soup’s On returns to Thompson Dallas on Monday, January 27, 2025. Two-time Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and best-selling author Nicholas Kristof will be the featured speaker.

Photo credit: Rob Wythe

14th Annual Symphony of Chefs Benefitting KidLinks

Join 2024 Event Chairs Beanie & Martin Newman for an evening of culinary composition on Monday, February 26 at the 14th Annual Symphony of Chefs held at Armstrong Fieldhouse on the SMU campus. 

Led by Honorary Chef Chairs, Private Chef, Consultant & Restaurateur Justin Box, and Beckley 1115's Executive Chef & Owner Luke Rogers, the evening will begin with a cocktail reception where guests will enjoy delicious hors d’oeuvres prepared by the Featured Hors d’oeuvre Chef, Dino Gonzalez Chef du Cuisine of The Rayleigh Underground. 

Justin Box, Beanie and Martin Newman, Luke Rogers

A seated dinner will follow where approximately 26 of Dallas’ most notable chefs (see list below) will prepare a four-course dinner tableside for guests with wine pairings from some of the world’s best vineyards including Kistler Vineyards, HALL Wines, Willamette Valley Vineyards, Cuvaison, LangeTwins and more. Following the coursed meal, featured Pastry Chef Jill Bates of Sugar and Sage Bakery will deliver masterful desserts as an end note to the evening. The evening will also include a wine pull, silent & live auction of experiences and live musical entertainment. Pre-events include a draft-style VIP Patron & Chef Selection Party for sponsors just a few weeks before the main event.

Funds raised from this event will support KidLinks, 501(3)(c) nonprofit efforts to provide healing, hope, and happiness to children with special challenges through music therapy programs, therapeutic music entertainment, and online music media. Sponsorship packages start at $3,000 with all options available online at www.kidlinks.org/soc. For more event information and sponsorship details, contact Leigh Treviño at leigh@kidlinks.org.

2024 PARTICIPATING CHEFS

*Honorary Chef Chairs

FEATURED HORS D’OEUVRE CHEF

Dino Gonzalez, Chef de Cuisine

The Rayleigh Underground

FEATURED DINNER CHEFS

Justin Box, Chef*

Private Chef, Consultant and Restaurateur

Aaron Collins, Chef de Cuisine

Cafe Momentum

Eric Dreyer, Executive Chef

Monarch Restaurant

Anthony Hsia, Executive Chef

Ellie’s Restaurant & Lounge

Miriam Jimenez, General Manager & Partner

Miriam Cocina Latina

Henry Johnson, Executive Chef

Bistro 31

John Kleifgen, Executive Chef

Nick & Sam’s Steakhouse

Dan Landsberg, Executive Chef

The Texas Barn at Circle T Ranch

Kevin Martin, Chef de Cuisine

TERRA

Giuliano Matarese, Chef & Restaurateur

Miss Pasta

Jennie Kelley, Chef/Owner and Brandon Moore, Chef/Owner

Fond

Nikky Phinyawatana, Chef & Founder

Asian Mint Restaurant Group & ChefNikky.com

Janice Provost, Chef & Owner

Parigi

Anastacia Quiñones-Pittman, Executive Chef

José

Jeramie Robison, Director of Culinary & Executive Chef

Thompson Dallas

Luke Rogers, Executive Chef & Owner*

Beckley 1115

Rodman Shields, Culinary Director

Milkshake Concepts

Jordan Swim, Owner

Vestals Catering

Leo Ramirez, Sous Chef

Dee Lincoln Prime

FEATURED PASTRY CHEF

Jill Bates, Pastry Chef

Sugar and Sage Bakery

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. 

Stewpot Alliance Soup's On! Luncheon and Art Sale Jan. 30

 The 15th annual Stewpot Alliance Soup’s On Luncheon and Art Show will be held on Monday, January 30 from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm 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,” Christy 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,” Brad 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.”

Otter Guides by Brad Oldham Sculpture
100 bronze editions, each artist signed and individually numbered
$550 each

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. 

Featured Speaker, Cynt Marshall

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 month 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 our neighbors who are experiencing and at risk of homelessness by providing breakfast, lunch and dinner, counseling and case management, rapid reshousing, 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, please visit www.soupsondallas.org. The Thompson Dallas is located at 1401 Elm Street. Complimentary valet parking is available to all guests.