Soul Food Event Raises $4,500 for Lakewood's Neediest Residents

It may have been called a fundraiser, but Saturday’s Soul Food event seemed more like one giant party.

The second-annual fundraising event "Soul Food: Feed the Hungry, Feed the Soul" brought more than 200 people through the doors of the to raise money for .

The event got its start last year to raise money to buy supplies for the Cleveland Food Bank. In its first year, the fundraiser took place at the Local Girl Gallery — and raised more than $3,600.

This year, the goal was simple: To raise more.

With a lively raffle and live auction of food-themed artwork from local and regional artists was clearly a highlight of the evening.

The event raised more than $4,500 — which will be used to , provide funds for the organization’s produce distribution and help to pay for the community gardens.

“All that money is going to go toward such good use for hunger relief in our community,” said Leah Kubiak, the event coordinator. “People are just so passionate about helping people in need — these people are our neighbors. We all know someone in a difficult situation.”

“It was an amazing turnout,” she added.

Once the auctioning was over, tables and chairs were moved for soul-themed dance-party hosted by “local musician extraordinaire,” XeLa. 

Food was prepared and provided by local chef Matt Somich. In all, there were about 15 volunteers who helped put the event together, including Rev. Paula Maeder Connor, whose church hosted the event.

Founded in 2010, TLCO is the nonprofit community outreach arm of Trinity Lutheran Church and focuses on hunger relief and holistic health promotion.

Last year alone, TLCO served 3,691 hot meals, distributed 84,000 pounds of free, fresh produce and reached 200 individuals through wellness education efforts.   

Those numbers are no small potatoes.

“I think Lakewood is filled with people who are thrilled with where they live,” said event co-founder Jason Weiner. “I think that we are all invested in our community. There are people available here to support their community in a meaningful way, who actually get out there and work face to face and provide a service to people in need.”