In the heart of Detroit’s Cultural Center, COTS will host its 25th annual Soup City fundraiser on Wednesday, January 24, 2024, at the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History. The goal? To raise $225,000 for Detroit families battling poverty and homelessness.
COTS CEO Cheryl P. Johnson expressed her enthusiasm, stating, “For 25 years, Soup City has served as an annual celebration of family triumphs and vital partnerships built at COTS. As we mark this milestone year of our signature fundraiser, we look forward to a delightful ‘Night at the Wright’ focused on helping Detroit families break the cycle of generational poverty and homelessness.”
Food, Fun, and Fundraising
The event promises a unique blend of experiences for attendees. Guests can indulge in soul-warming soups, exquisite small plates, and delectable desserts from over 25 metro Detroit restaurants, including establishments like Grey Ghost Detroit, Mezcal Detroit, The French Lady, and Balkan House.
Adding moves and grooves to the night, musicians Jeff Ponders II, Brandon Williams, and Darius Nabors will entertain the audience. “The Urban Violinist,” Kym Brady, and The Charles & Gwen Scales Group will also showcase their talents, ensuring a night filled with soulful sounds. Spinnovation will contribute a thrilling performance, and a silent disco will add a unique twist to the festivities, with WXYZ TV 7 Anchor Carolyn Clifford as the host. Not to mention, there will be entertaining items to take home at the end of the night by participating in the raffle and/or silent auction.
But there’s more. The Art of Family gallery stands out as a highlight, featuring a photography campaign sharing the beauty of overcoming personal struggles. This initiative challenges perceptions of poverty and homelessness, shedding light on the hopes and dreams families aspire to amid adversity. Lineage Logistics is the presenting sponsor for the evening; this will be a night filled with fun, flavor, and fundraising for a meaningful cause.
COTS Impact
A key feature of the event is The Art of Family Gallery. This is the guests’ opportunity to read testimonies from families who lean on COTS. COTS serves more than 1,200 people annually – 60 percent of whom are children.
Meet Adrian a single mother who found support at COTS. Her journey is a testament to resilience and strength. Arriving with her 2-year-old daughter and minimal belongings, Adrian received meals, coaching, and childcare services. She praises the children’s coaching program that made her daughter feel safe. Adrian emphasizes the crucial role of community partners and expresses gratitude for the assistance she received.
The positive coaching she received left an indelible mark. Despite facing homelessness, Adrian applauds the Passport to Self-Sufficiency™️ framework for practical assistance and a compassionate approach. Her daughter thrived at COTS, experiencing a resemblance of normalcy amid challenges. Donations to COTS provide shelter, housing, and other vital supportive services intended to help more families overcome homelessness and poverty and establish the foundation for a better future.
Soup City is not just any other fundraising event; it’s a celebration of overcoming, hope, resilience, and expanding community impact. It’s amazing what can be done when people come together with a common goal to help one another. As attendees savor flavors, enjoy performances, and admire art, this fundraiser makes a profound difference in creating a brighter future for families in Detroit and creating more transformative stories like Adrian’s. To read other stories, visit COTS The Art of Family Gallery.
Tickets for Soup City are available online for $100 each, including complimentary valet parking. Business casual attire is encouraged. To purchase tickets or participate in fundraising efforts, visit cotsdetroit.org/soupcity.
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