On August 23rd, our very own Mike Schodowski (part owner of The Shelving Store) threw the 20th annual Benefit on the Bay. The benefit donates 100% of its proceeds to the Capuchin Soup kitchen of Detroit.
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| Mike Schodowski with a Capuchin Friar at the 2013 Benefit |
The Capuchin Soup Kitchen first opened its doors in 1929 during the Great Depression. The kitchen provides an average of 2000 meals a day from 2 locations in Detroit.
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| Up to 2,000 people lined up in front of the Capuchin monastery during the Depression |
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| Capuchin Soup Kitchen in 1942 |
Capuchin provides over 200 emergency supplemental food packages daily to families and seniors in need. That’s nearly 300,000 pounds of food per month! These packs are filled with dried and canned food as well as fresh meat and produce.
Mike Schodowski organized the first benefit in 1993 for friends and family, during which he raised a modest $1,400 for the soup kitchen. Twenty years later, the event has raised over one million dollars in net proceeds and consistently sells out with over 600 guests.
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| Emcee Jay Towers, host of Fresh 100.3’s Jay Towers in the Morning |
Though it started from humble beginnings, the event has turned into a lavish affair. The 2013 benefit was hosted by Jay Towers of Fresh 100.3. Entertainment included the Capuchin Soup Kitchen Choir, Speed painting by Dave Santia, and even our part owner Jim Aiello’s band, The Key Suspects.
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| Santia’s speed paintings were auctioned off at the event |
This year, the event raised over $100,000 for Capuchin. What will this money do for the community? $100,000 means over 50,000 full bellies for the less fortunate.
