Capuchin Soup Kitchen - Others Helping Others Help Others

We all need a little help sometimes and that is the exact sentiment that Capuchin Soup Kitchen adopted when they first opened their doors to the needy in 1929 during the Great Depression. Like many organizations that help human development worldwide, the Capuchin Soup Kitchen can use all of the help it can get to assist in accommodating the people and other organizations that rely on them.

The programs offered at the Capuchin Soup Kitchen include meals, substance abuse counseling, after-school activities for children, urban farming, and even a bakery café. The latter, On the Rise Bakery Café helps people recently released from prison give back to the community and raise money through sales of baked goods to help with self-help programs, educational opportunities, supportive housing, and counseling services. Capuchin Soup Kitchen’s influence in the community has led to fostering strong connections with some major businesses in various industries in and around Detroit, Michigan.

Some of the area’s businesses that are devoted contributors are Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, Buddy’s Pizza, and Shelving Inc. The SOCK (Support Our Capuchin Kitchen) is an annual event at Cobo Hall which has been hosted by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan for the past 43 years. In addition to the $600,000 raised by this event in 2015, CEO Dan Loepp and his wife, Amy, donated an additional $100,000.

Buddy’s Pizza, a classic Detroit restaurant, has been a consistent donor to the Capuchin Soup Kitchen since 1977. Their “Slice For Life” benefit has contributed more than $2.5 million since its inception. Buddy’s has also raised awareness about the soup kitchen through social media, flyers, posters, menu cards and commercials.

Shelving Inc., a Metro Detroit- based specialty retailer of shelving, racking, and other storage products, has held annual fundraising events for Capuchin Soup Kitchen since 1993. Their annual Benefit on the Bay is an evening of dinner and entertainment where all proceeds go to benefit the Capuchin Soup Kitchen.

The Capuchin Soup Kitchen has been aiding the people of Detroit for over 87 years. They have grown as an organization and have become a crutch to those who need a helping hand in the community. One of the main reasons they’re able to offer so many services is, in part, due to their relationships with the community. Businesses are happy to hold fundraisers and encourage work-related volunteer events for the soup kitchen. It’s easy to donate to an organization that represents the good in the world and that is easy to believe in.