The 17th annual Samaritan Center Soup Bowl broke all attendance records of previous years. This year, volunteers at nearly 30 public locations and several private gatherings in homes and offices, served an estimated 5000 people. This event is truly evidence that the people of Indian River County ban together to support their neighbors in need. There is no doubt in my mind that this event has become an Indian River County ritual', said Shotsi Cain Lajoie, co-chair of the event. This year’s event raised over $45,000 for homeless families in Indian Rive County.
In 1993 the Samaritan Center served a few hundred people with donations of soup from a handful of restaurants. Today, more than 50 restaurants donate soup and attendance is in the thousands. Lee Moore spearheaded a private gathering campaign so people can entertain in the privacy of their own homes and send contributions. These private gatherings have made it easier to reach more people.
'We anticipated momentum to continue to build as everyone is invited to the party', Tracey Segal, Program Administrator said recently about this event. 'There is really no end in site in how large this can grow, as more and more sites and gatherings pop up each year.' Of course, our goal is 100% county participation.'
Anyone interested in being a part of this ritual by sponsoring a location, a gathering or other contribution please contact the Samaritan Center at 770-3039.
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