Event Details
Representatives from the Downtown Evening Soup Kitchen (DESK), the Faxon Law New Haven Road Race, and Stop & Shop's Feed It Forward program came together on Wednesday, October 7, to celebrate their community partnership with a check presentation at DESK's facility, located at 266 State Street in New Haven. This collaboration, developed through the New Haven Road Race, highlights a shared commitment to supporting local residents.
The three-floor facility aims to provide vital resources and a welcoming community space for all. Key features include case management, job resources, shelter services, computers, laundry facilities, a full kitchen, meal service, and a clinic on the third floor.
The facility was designed to be a touchpoint for outreach, meeting individuals where they are and offering an open door to those seeking support. The goal is to not only address public health concerns but also foster a true sense of community and belonging.
Executive Director Steve Werlin and Development Director Luis Olmo-Rivera from DESK expressed their excitement about the partnership and the bright future it holds for the facility.
"We're so grateful for the continued support and partnership of our friends at Stop & Shop and the Faxon Law New Haven Road Race,” noted Werlin.
Building on this message of community support, External Communications Manager of Stop & Shop, Daniel Wolk, highlighted the company’s mission to fight hunger and the importance of supporting DESK’s initiatives.
“At Stop & Shop, we believe strong communities are built when organizations come together to support their neighbors,” said Daniel Wolk, External Communications Manager for Stop & Shop. “We are proud to partner with the Faxon Law New Haven Road Race in supporting Downtown Evening Soup Kitchen (DESK) and the important work they do every day for individuals and families across New Haven. Through its Drop-In & Resource Center, DESK provides not only access to nutritious meals, but also critical resources, services, and
a welcoming environment for those facing challenging circumstances. We are honored to support their mission and help ensure our neighbors have access to the care and assistance they need.”
In addition to the $2,500 donated by Stop & Shop, participants in this year's race donated nearly $4,000 in support of DESK. This year’s Faxon Law New Haven Road Race is expected to give well over $30,000 to worthy local organizations.
The success of this year’s race was strengthened by the support of numerous sponsors, including Faxon Law Group, Team One Crabtree Lexus, G Café, Town Fair Tire, In Memory of Mark Gilhuly, Corsair, and the City of New Haven.
For more information on DESK’s exciting and innovative project, please visit deskct.org/capital.
Representatives from the Downtown Evening Soup Kitchen (DESK), Faxon Law New Haven Road Race, and Stop & Shop proudly display a donation check at DESK’s facility, celebrating their partnership in the fight against food insecurity.
Pictured, from left to right: John Bysiewicz (Race Director of New Haven Road Race), Susan Zelman (Stop & Shop Community Relations and Charitable Giving Specialist), Christian Monahan (Global Partners), Steve Werlin (Executive Director of Downtown Evening Soup Kitchen), and Mike Dolan (President of New Haven Road Race). Photo by: Felicia Shashinka