Five years ago, my boss Jenny (you may know her as Souper Jenny :) came to me with a concern.
“There is a major food insecurity issue in Atlanta, and we are going to do something to help. I’ve talked to multiple teachers in schools and that is where we will start. Getting food to those children will be our priority and we are going to start donating soup immediately”.
Well, I had been working with Jenny for three years at this point and when Jenny comes up with a great idea, sets goals, and exudes passion, there is only one response…
”Sign me up!”
In a matter of weeks, she launched The Zadie Project and we began our quest to get as much healthy soup as we could into as many homes as possible.
We started with 25-50 quarts of soup a week, and, in a few months, we were up to 300. A couple of years later it was 500, and today, we donate 700+ quarts of soup a week! We worked hard and with the help of our staff and volunteers, the leadership of Jenny and our board members, and donations from so many Souper Jenny customers and fans, we will, by the end of this year, pass 100,000 quarts of soup donated. Wow!
Throughout the first two years, I was very much hands-on. I was “all-in” and the work was fulfilling, but I was also looking to do more. Something to really bring attention to The Zadie Project and bring in much-needed funds. I mean, if we wanted to feed more hungry Atlanta families, we’d have to raise more money.
That “something” turned out to be The Souper Walk.
It was January of 2019, and while I was working hard at my job, I was also working on bettering myself as a person. Finding more ways to give back to the community, as well as, adding to my exercise routine of walking and running after work. At this time, I was involved in a group called BYLR (Build Your Life Resume). People shared many incredible stories of adding adventure and experiences to their lives through all kinds of ways. I was inspired to brainstorm ways to combine my desire to give back with a physical challenge, and The Souper Walk was born!
THE Souper Jenny TRAIL
I really wanted to have the whole Souper Jenny team play a role in the day. I wanted a group of cheerleaders to keep me motivated along the way. Plus I wanted to eat good healthy food throughout. I mean where can I get better delicious soups, sandwiches and salads? Therefore, it was an easy decision to create the Souper Trail - a 30 mile “pilgrimage” that starts at one Souper Jenny location and continues until we visit each shop.
Now I had the perfect route, I had the staff to pump me up during the day, and I had healthy soups, sandwiches and salads to fuel me. Only one thing was missing. I needed great people to walk WITH me. People who were fun, caring, full of energy, supportive and with positive mindsets.
Getting volunteers
So, I put the word out through emails, social media and flyers in our restaurants seeking volunteers to join. Each walker commits to raise $300 and bring a little more attention to the Project. I also asked each of them why they would want to be a part of the event and I loved reading their replies. They remind me of the importance of always surrounding yourself with thoughtful individuals. This group was the final piece to what I knew would be a memorable time.
Souper walk 2021
This year’s walk (the 3rd of what I know will be many) took place on Saturday, Sept 25. We started at 7am at our Roswell location, stopped first in Brookhaven, Buckhead next, then Westside, before finishing just after 6pm at our Decatur shop. Thirty miles total! This year 25 people joined me for “a leg” of the walk and Jenny herself and, one of our best supporters, Noah went the whole distance with me. In the end, we raised over $10,000. I certainly could not have done this alone, and I am so grateful for everyone’s efforts.
As much as I love raising money, the highlight for me each year is the time shared with total strangers…strangers who are caring and kind. In my opinion, there is nothing better than teaming up with a handful of people from different backgrounds, with a variety of beliefs, and sharing an experience that is not only meaningful, but also exhilarating and rare. Throughout the day, my favorite things were listening to the stories, hearing laughter just about every minute, and seeing individuals support each other, especially when one may be tired or struggling. I will forever cherish those moments and am grateful to have had a day like this. We should all be so blessed.
For a day, or two, my feet may have hurt, but forever, my heart is full.
PS - See you next September for Souper Walk IV! I hope you can join me.
