Letter to the Editor: Community Rallies Together to Fight Hunger, End Homelessness

To the Editor: 

The Rotary Club of Naperville recently held its fifth annual Soup’s On! event to end hunger and homelessness in our communities on October 21st. We are grateful that more than 2,100 people – a new record – visited the beautiful Tellabs atrium on a perfect Sunday afternoon to discover and enjoy a myriad of scrumptious foods, desserts, and beverages donated by 30 of the area’s best-loved restaurants and food purveyors. Fabulous donated silent auction items encouraged eager bidders. Entertainment provided by the talented students of Naperville School Districts 203 and 204 and Benet Academy enchanted guests throughout the afternoon. Even young children had their own special play area, staffed by the DuPage Children’s Museum. A feeling of warmth and abundance created a welcoming ambiance. 

We, representing the three charitable partners and beneficiaries of this event, are humbled and elated to be the conduits for the largesse of Rotarians to our community. These funds will make a tremendous impact on our organizations’ ability to serve unprecedented numbers of hungry and homeless families in Naperville, DuPage and Kane counties during the holidays and throughout the challenging winter months.

We thank the community for its support and the tireless commitment of all of the Rotary Club of Naperville members who made 2012 Soup’s On! possible. We applaud the exceptional leadership of event co-chairs Frank Slocumb and Liz Zienty, and Bill and Karen Garlough of My Chef Catering, event co-chairs and founders.  Their superlative organizational skills inspired many Rotarians to volunteer their time during the past year to create this marvelous vehicle to support our community and embody the Rotarian commitment to Service Above Self. Without these Rotarians’ passion and commitment, Soup’s On! would not be possible.

We all dream of a day when hunger and homelessness are distant memories, and thank all the Rotarians whose donation of time, talent and resources will improve the lives of thousands of people throughout this winter.

Carol Simler, Executive Director, DuPage PADS, Wheaton

Ryan Dowd, Executive Director, Hesed House, Aurora

Charles McLimans, Executive Director/CEO, Loaves & Fishes Community Pantry, Naperville