The largest community soup kitchen in South Jersey is gearing up for its 18th annual Harvest for Hunger fundraiser next month.
The Cathedral Kitchen event will take place from 6 to 9 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 7, at Lucien’s Manor in Berlin. The organization’s biggest fundraiser of the year will include not only food, but also opportunities to support the most vulnerable residents of Camden. Open to those 21 and older, it typically attracts hundreds of attendees each year.
Cathedral Kitchen serves meals restaurant style at its Federal Street facility Monday through Friday and on Saturday. It also delivers food to local after-school programs, senior centers and halfway houses and offers shelter to the homeless. Critical support services include helping people obtain IDs, access housing assistance and connect with mental-health and substance use treatment.
As rising housing costs and inflation continue to strain resources, the demand for the soup kitchen’s meals and services has reached unprecedented levels. Noreen Flewelling, the organization’ development director, emphasized that urgency.
“Although (September’s) Hunger Action Month has passed, demand for our meals and services continues to rise,” she explained. “We are seeking monetary donations, volunteers and attendees for our Harvest for Hunger event.
“Every contribution makes a difference.”
Fundraiser proceeds go directly to supporting the kitchen, including its personal care-product distribution, culinary training program and even shelter. Among its success stories is Andrea, identified only by her first name to protect her privacy. After escaping an abusive relationship, she found herself homeless with her two sons.
“I didn’t know anything about Cathedral Kitchen,” she recalled of her first night there. “It was an angel who told me about you all. I don’t know where I would have gone that night without you.”
With the support of a Cathedral Kitchen empowerment coach, Andrea received meals, groceries and essential housing resources to secure a safe home. Today, she and her sons are rebuilding their lives; Andrea is again working and the boys are in school.
Rosa and David – also identified by first name only – were high-school sweethearts who faced years of homelessness before finding support at the kitchen that also included enpowerment coaching, along with resources for housing and health care. Their journey culminated in a heartfelt wedding ceremony organized by the kitchen with friends and supporters from the program.
“We are so grateful to everyone at Cathedral Kitchen for their support and friendship,” David said.
Flewelling emphasized how community involvement is crucial to the kitchen’s mission.
“We welcome everyone to participate in the Harvest for Hunger event,” she noted. “It’s a joyful occasion where attendees can enjoy a fantastic evening while making a real difference.”
The fundraiser will feature gourmet dishes prepared by Cathedral Kitchen culinary students who will be guided by professional chefs, an element of the event that will showcase not only kitchen skills, but also highlight the organization’s role in empowering individuals with job training.
The kitchen also welcomes volunteers from the community who greet guests; help prepare meals; and serve food, contributions invaluable to its operations.
“Volunteering can take as little as 1.5 hours,” Flewelling reported. “We have shifts available Monday through Saturday, with opportunities for families, school groups and corporate teams to get involved.”
She also pointed out the organization’s success with a culinary training program designed to equip unemployed and underemployed individuals. The kitchen provides all materials and instruction at no cost.
“Since its launch in 2009, hundreds of students have graduated, and over 86% have gained employment within three months of completing the course,” Flewelling pointed out, adding that the kitchen’s next culinary training session will begin in January.
Flewelling also encourages community organizations with whom the organization can collaborate.
“If you’re part of an organization that can offer services to our guests,” she said, “we’d love to partner with you.”
To purchase tickets or reserve a table at the fundraiser, visit www.cathedralkitchen.org/events. A silent auction will go live online on Oct. 31, with a live auction at the event.
“Every ticket sold, every donation made, helps us continue our mission,” Flewelling emphasized. “We are excited to bring the community together for an evening of good food, good company and goodwill.”
