25 January 2011

The Salvation Army NW Division will host its annual fund-raising Soupline luncheon on Tuesday, May 10, 2011, at The Grand Hyatt in Downtown Seattle. Funds raised at the event go directly toward helping the hungry, homeless and hopeless in King County.

This year's event will be led by Salvation Army NW Divisional Commander, Lt. Col. Doug O'Brien, Advisory Board President Todd Summerfelt, and Event Chairman David Kraft. The program will include an update on the work of The Salvation Army throughout the county, and a heart-warming story of a life changed by The Army. Plus, the event will feature the much-anticipated announcement of this year's recipient of The Salvation Army Arthur S. Langlie Award for Visionary Leadership. Brian Calvert, Seattle TV and radio alumnus, will emcee the event; confirmation of this year's keynote speaker will be announced in the next 30 days.

The term "Soupline" originated during the Great Depression, when lines of hungry people waited outside of Salvation Army kitchens for a bowl of hot soup. Throughout the country's most desolate times, The Salvation Army has often provided the daily source of nutrition for the masses.

Sponsorships of Soupline 2011 are currently available at various financial levels. To date, top-tier sponsors include Fred Meyer Stores, Jackie and Pierre Gehlen, and University Mechanical Contractors.

Table Captain opportunities are also available. Thus far, more than half of the 42 tables have Captains who have committed to hosting a table of twelve guests, with a suggested minimum donation of $150 per guest. For information about sponsorships and/or hosting a table, please contact Michele Meyers at 206-217-1281.

Individual invitations to Soupline will be available in March 2011.