(L-R Major Dave Champlin, Divisional Commander for The Salvation Army in Southern New England; Michael Murdy, Meriden Advisory Board Chairman; Evan White, WFSB Channel 3 Reporter; and Captains Isael and Brenda Gonzalez, Meriden Corps Officers at the 2015 Soup, Soap & Hope Fundraiser.)

Soup, Soap & Hope Is More than Just a Saying!

This Meriden Fundraiser Is Also a Huge Success!

MERIDEN – When Advisory Board Chairman Michael Murdy was asked what his favorite soup was… he gave the diplomatic answer, "they’re all my favorites!" He was pretty accurate too, as they all were tasty. This is the 5th year of the Meriden Salvation Army’s Soup, Soap & Hope event. It was once again held at the Four Points by Sheraton Meriden on April 16th and had the best attendance yet. It was apparent that Soup, Soap & Hope is quickly becoming a Meriden tradition. There were many familiar faces and some new ones too, seated all around the room.

The soups were donated by local restaurants: Avanti – Italian Restaurant & Lounge (Seafood Bisque); Colony Diner & Restaurant (Chicken Rice); Tata’s Restaurant – Caribbean Cuisine (Mofongo); Sans Souci Restaurant & Lounge (Tomato); and Gaetano’s Tavern on Main (Butternut Squash). These soups were served exquisitely by local high school students, under the direction of Denise Keating, Manager of Meriden Youth Services Division.

(Keynote Speaker and WFSB Channel 3 Reporter Evan White.)

After soup, salad, and dessert, Michael thanked fellow board members and volunteers for their time and effort to support local Army programs. Next, he introduced the Keynote Speaker, Evan White, a Reporter from WFSB Channel 3. Evan was very informative and discussed how everyone working together can make positive things happen. Evan is new to Connecticut, but eager to learn more about the local turf. When he isn’t working, he is looking for fun activities, cooking, and studying football – a diehard Patriot’s fan.

After recognizing special awardees, Meriden Corps Officer Captain Isael Gonzalez thanked everyone for coming and for their strong support of The Salvation Army and its mission. He also thanked the restaurants and sponsors for supporting this year’s Soup, Soap & Hope event. He said, "Today, we continue in our struggle against the ravages of evil in our society: hunger, drug and alcohol abuse, homelessness, illiteracy, lack of self-esteem, decline of the family unit, and destructive neighborhoods. To this, the mission of The Salvation Army in Meriden responds with burning compassion, strategic outlook, and unwavering purpose." He reminded our guests how "we could not do our work without you, our wonderful supporters!"

As Divisional Commander Major Dave Champlin touched upon in the evening’s final remarks, 150 years ago, William Booth, the founder of The Salvation Army, had a mission, which is still relevant today. Booth’s mission was to fight against hunger, poverty, injustice and sin, and to bring hope in people’s lives. The funds raised at events such as this helped The Salvation Army in Meriden to serve over 7,000 individuals and provide over 63,000 meals last year. The soup kitchen alone served 7,586 people in need in the community.

Many thanks to all from Meriden and its Advisory Board and Event Committee!