by Jennifer Thomas
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.
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.
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 their website.
