Soul Food Donations Fund Meals For Lakewood Families

His favorite was the shitake mushroom puffs on a stick and mine was the Mediterranean stick- or maybe it was the fruit, or maybe the caramel-coated apples and bacon on a stick.

Last Saturday night my hubby and I ventured out without the kids- a rare treat- to support the Trinity Lakewood Community Outreach (TLCO) event Soul Food: Feed the Hungry, Feed the Soul. Amidst a room of twinkling lights we were joined by about 200 energized guests of Trinity Lutheran Church where we enjoyed wonderfully creative and delicious appetizers (every appetizer was on a stick) created by chef, Matt Somich. Fantastic music by XeLa provided the backdrop for the party-like atmosphere and exciting live auction of some incredible art donated by local artists.

This was the second year for Soul Food, which raises money to help feed those struggling with hunger. Paula Maeder Conner, pastor of Trinity Lutheran and one of three of the event’s organizers, commented on the increase of supporters this year and was excited to report to me that they were successful in raising more money this year.

Funds raised will support hunger relief and other health-promoting activities. “Many responses from among community meal guests indicated that a meal at Trinity is their only meal for the day,” said Pastor Paula, referring to the paper plates that hung from the ceiling at the event. She went on to say that dinner guests are, “Glad for companionship around the table, and that community meals allow them to use money they would have spent for food, to purchase items that they might not have been able to have otherwise (i.e. toothpaste, toiletries, etc...).

According to the Pastor, in a recent survey at one meal, TLCO learned that half of the attenders are Lakewood residents. “We are serving our neighbors and are glad to be doing so.”  Pastor Paula was a happy to announce that this event will be scheduled again for next year.  For hubby and me, we will look forward to another nice night out for a great cause.