Public Steps Up in Support of Capuchin Soup Kitchen at Annual Fundraiser Dinner

Daniel J. Loepp, president and CEO of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, works the hot line at the Capuchin Soup Kitchen earlier this year as Brother Bob Malloy looks on.

Our mission at the Capuchin Soup Kitchen in Detroit is “to tend to people’s basic needs, especially the need for food; stimulate minds and nourish spirits, and work to understand and address root causes of social injustice.” We do not receive any government funding; we rely on the generosity of others.

Our largest fundraising event, the SOCK dinner, was held last Friday evening at Cobo Center. And oh, what a night it was! It was an evening of compassion and understanding for others.

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan’s generous donation of $25,000 kicked off the night. I thought to myself, “What a wonderful show of support… what a terrific community partner.” When Blue Cross President and CEO Dan Loepp and his wife Amy, the SOCK fundraising chairs, announced they would be personally donating $100,000, tears came to my eyes. I looked around the table where I was sitting. I was not the only one teary.

I think the synergy in the room shifted at that point. It felt like the entire room of 1,000 banded together, saying, “We want to help!”

And help they did! Brother Bill Cieslak’s call to help feed a family of four was answered by donations of nearly $98,000. When totaling the raffle, auction and “Feed A Family” revenue, the grand total raised was over $137,000! Include Blue Cross Blue Shield’s and Dan & Amy Loepp’s contribution….well, it was a night to remember!

Thank you all. Thank you Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, thank you Mr. and Mrs. Loepp! Your support and additional donations will make a difference in countless lives.

Author: Colleen Crane, employee of The Capuchin Province of St. Joseph