Martha’s Table’s flagship fundraiser returns this Sunday after a year-long absence.
At the event, ticket holders choose a bowl made by the Kingston Potters Guild, as well as a soup of their choice from sixteen different restaurants that have made donations.
In the past, the University Club donated its space for the event, but to comply with COVID regulations, this year’s fundraiser will be held outdoors under a marquee on the Martha’s Table property.
Ronda Candy, CEO of Martha’s Table, says she wasn’t sure what kind of support to expect with the fundraiser’s return with some changes to the format.
However, with the tickets sold out, Candy says that she and her team have been delighted to see the show of support from the community.
“I really didn’t know what to expect because it’s a very different event and I didn’t know how receptive people would be,” said Candy.
“But they sold out, I swear faster than usual, so I think people are looking for some normalcy.”
This year’s event encourages attendees to bring their soup bowls home after possibly stopping by for a silent auction or two, and Candy says she has spoken to a few ticket holders who plan to get together for smaller gatherings with their soup and bowls after collecting.
She says this event has been ingrained in the tradition of various members of the community, with some people supporting and attending the event up to twenty years before last year’s cancellation.
With so little clarity and expertise around COVID safety regulations and protocols, canceling last year’s event was a necessity.
Instead, Martha’s Table organized a raffle, the main prize of which was a KIA Forte.
Candy says it was sometimes difficult to even safely display the car around Kingston during the pandemic.
He added that Martha’s Table had to purchase the vehicle for the raffle, which caused some stress to at least sell enough tickets to pay for the purchase.
“That was a bit stressful,” Candy said.
“But we managed to overcome the cost of expenses associated with fundraising and we made some profit.”
She says that Martha’s Table may look to do another raffle, though probably not a car, in the spring.
The funds raised go to support the operating costs of Martha’s Tables, which currently serves take-out meals from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. M. A 1 p. M. Every day of the week.
During the pandemic, Martha’s Table also managed to incorporate a much-needed delivery service, bringing meals to 150 vulnerable community members throughout the week.
Although this weekend’s event is completely sold out, donations of food and money are still accepted and appreciated at Martha’s Table.
Reference-ygknews.ca