The Downtown Evening Soup Kitchen
www.downtowneveningsoupkitchen.com
Thanks and Recognition
Starting the New Year off with a Bang
The Imperial Sovereign Court of All of Connecticut has selected DESK as one if its charity beneficiaries for 2008. The organization’s recent “A Little Help from your Friends” drag show, which raised support for DESK, was a huge success! There was standing room only at The Benevolent Protective Order of Elks, Lodge #25 (New Haven) as a variety of drag performers took the stage. Besides the drag performances, live performances and raffles also helped make this a very exciting evening of fundraising for DESK. Please see the photos online, and be sure to visit the gallery on DESK’s website.
The drag show was only made possible through the hard work of many, including performers from Connecticut, Rhode Island, and New York City. DESK would like to thank all the group’s members who helped make this a memorable first in DESK’s ongoing fundraising efforts:
Empress Panzi of New York City
Empress Cassandra Fiore of Connecticut
Empress Jazzmine Taylor of Rhode Island
Princess Royale for Life Morgana Deluxe
Princess Royal for Life Damiana La Roux
Marquis J P
Marchioness Dandy Lions
Lord Joel Garcia
Lady Robin Banks
The Reigning Emperor of Connecticut John M. Howard
The Emperor and Empress Elect, Michael Giza and Brandy Alexander
DESK extends a special thanks to the host of the show, Emperor 1 of Buffalo and President of the Imperial Sovereign Court of All Connecticut, Mark Campbell, for all his help in making this collaboration a reality.
A big thanks also to Elk Pauline Cheslock and The Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Lodge #25 (New Haven) for donating the space to DESK for the show. They were wonderful and gracious hosts to DESK, so keep an eye out for more DESK events at the Elks Lodge #25 in the future!
Several of DESK’s board members are also in need of thanking for their help running the event: Bill Hyde, Jr., Bettina A. Pierre, Rosa Nieves, and Cynthia A. McCarroll.
A huge thanks goes to the DESK Staff, DESK Director of Operations Jeanne May, and Henry Ford, who helped plan and set up the event.
Finally, a DESK would like to say a sincere word of thanks to Miriam V. Hauesler (Viscountess Makeda, IPC-NYC), M.J. Justine McCarroll (the raffle girl), and Alexis Nichols and Cindy McCarroll (who assembled 3 super wine raffle baskets). Citizens Bank (New Haven) also generously donated a $100.00 savings bond as an additional raffle prize. Thank you all so much. You rock!
Battle of the Bands
The battle of the bands to benefit DESK at the end of December 2007 was a great success. Organizers and promoters Mike Danz and Dan Amore put together four great bands: Lamb Bombs, Nasty Disaster, Situation Murder, and Covin. These groups rocked the Brickhouse Bar in East Haven for DESK. The $5 cover raised over $375 for DESK, and everyone had a fantastic time. Mike and Dan you guys really do ROCK! Thank you to everyone who attended and helped support DESK.
December Operations
Attendance at evening meals was down in December 2007 as many guests seek shelter, enter programs, or go home with friends during the harsh winter weather. This is a blessing for some, but for those not as fortunate, DESK continues to serve hot evening meals and manage a weekly pantry throughout the winter months. Special thanks to all those who helped us through the winter holiday season. Here are just a few:
Gerard Davenport, longtime DESK supporter and community activist, held a second annual 24-hour event to provide companionship, breakfast, lunch, and dinner on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day to the needy of New Haven. DESK continues to support this yearly event, which takes place at the United Church Parish House (323 Temple St). We love you Gerard!
The Mirage Salon (Chapel St) held a food drive in December for DESK. Thank you to all the staff at Mirage for helping DESK fill pantry bags throughout the month, and thank you to all the staff and patrons of the Mirage Salon.
A special thanks goes to all the wonderful and diverse groups and individuals who support DESK in so many ways. All your efforts—whether foods drives, financial donations, onsite volunteering, or participation at meals—are very much needed and appreciated. We at DESK have an optimistic outlook for 2008, thanks to all of your continuing help and support!
Belated Thanksgiving Recognition
DESK conveys a special, albeit belated, thanks to Michelle Reynard, who took excellent photos at our Thanksgiving meal on Thanksgiving Day. Michelle is an accomplished photographer, and we thank her for donating her time and talents to DESK.
Meeting Space for the Board
DESK thanks the Greater New Haven Chamber of Commerce and Betsy Herlihy, who graciously donate meeting for the board every month. Thanks also to Betsy for donating her evenings every month to DESK!
DESK is a proud member of the Greater New Haven Chamber of Commerce.
Upcoming Events
Songs from the Heart
Marie Robert and The Graduate Club (155 Elm Street) have joined forces in preparation for a Valentine Cabaret entitled, “Songs from the Heart,” which will be held to benefit DESK on Tuesday, February 12. Marie Robert is again donating her special musical talents, and the Graduate Club has pledged performance space and hors d’oeuvres for the event. The event will begin at 6:30 p.m., and the show will start at 7:30. Tickets will be sold at the door for only $25, and all proceeds will benefit DESK. There will also be a cash bar. For advance tickets, please contact Corinne (corinne.simoes@yale.edu) or Marie (marie.robert@yale.edu). Thank you to the club’s manager, Sandra Gervais, for help in getting this fundraiser together for DESK.
Soup Night
The annual Soup Night is coming up on Sunday, April 6. Mark your calendars now for this fun (and tasty) DESK volunteer appreciation event.
Calendar of Events
Check the DESK website for all DESK events so that you can join us throughout the year!
Current Needs
A Note from the Chef
The following food items are needed to help prepare fresh meals daily:
Adobo seasoned salt
Chili powder
Milk (gallons/whole milk)
Butter (we prefer butter over margarine because it is healthier)
Family size cream of mushroom soups
Pop-top cans of cream of broccoli, cream of celery, cream of chicken, and cream of potato soups
Bags of marshmallows (for sweet potato casseroles)
Whole cloves
Cinnamon
Nutmeg
Fresh lemons to make cider & hot tea for meals
Yellow/white cake mix (generic is fine, and any size will do)
Salt (prefer iodized)
Ground black pepper
Saffron (for rice)
Dried basil
Dried parsley
Italian seasoning
Bay leaves
Jars of chicken bouillon powder (preferred to cubes)
Jars of beef bouillon powder (preferred to cubes)
Cans of dried or fried onions (for green bean casserole)
Quick Notes
A Note from the Board
As of January 2008, Julia A. Prest, president of DESK’s board of directors, has stepped down for personal and professional reasons. She remains a steady DESK supporter and has assumed Emeritus status on the DESK Board of Directors. Under her leadership DESK accomplished many great things including a complete renovation of the central kitchen and the centralization of DESK operations to 311 Temple Street. We will miss Julia at monthly meetings, but she still is a member of the DESK family and we will keep her in the loop for advice and support. Cynthia A. McCarroll has assumed the role of acting president of the board of directors, which she will hold until June 2008. Cindy is a new DESK member and was unanimously voted into the acting president’s role because of her energy and new ideas. Congratulations to Cindy!
Staff Updates
Best of luck to Ken West and with his new teaching position in Florida. Ken was our evening coordinator from September to December 2007. We send our warmest wishes with him as he leaves for his new home and job in Florida, and we will all miss him and Oscar.
Our new evening coordinator and assistant operations manger is Kathleen Platania, from Seymour, CT. She is a recent graduate of Franklin Pierce University in Rindge, New Hampshire. Kath comes to us with a background in human services and crisis management. She is a welcome and wonderful addition to the DESK family. If you volunteer during the evening meals, please make sure you check in with Kath.
Alex Yuknat, DESK’s former evening coordinator (from April 2006 to September 2007), dropped by to visit us over the holidays. He is currently at the Maine Maritime Academy, where he is doing very well. We wish him also the best for the New Year!
Information
Food Donations
Drop off donations at 311 Temple Street between 1:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m., Monday through Thursday, or call the kitchen (203-772-3400). Please remember that all of DESK’s offices and operations are closed on Fridays and Saturdays. We cannot accept deliveries on those days without previous arrangements!
Volunteer Opportunities
Contact Jeanne (JeanneMarieMay@aol.com), and she’ll find something for you to do anytime from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., Sunday through Thursday. Remember: DESK accepts all community service volunteers, and youth groups are also welcome!
Removal from E-Newsletter List
To be removed from the E-Newsletter mailing list, please email webmaster@downtowneveningsoupkitchen.com.
Emergency Food Council
The Downtown Evening Soup Kitchen is a member of the Emergency Food Council of Connecticut. Visit our website at www.emergencyfoodcouncil.com.
Contact DESK
Diana M. Richter
Executive Director
P.O. Box 1478
New Haven, CT 06506
Phone: 203-624-6426
Fax: 203-624-2116
director@downtowneveningsoupkitchen.com