Local chefs and a Williamsburg-area nonprofit are working to warm up the community this Friday.
Community of Faith Mission and chefs from over a dozen local restaurants are hosting the Warm Up Williamsburg soup-tasting fundraiser on Friday, which will help COFM continue running an 18-week emergency winter shelter for homeless people in Williamsburg, according to COFM Director of Fundraising Annabelle Socha.
The fundraiser will include donated soups from Aromas, Berret’s, the Carrot Tree, Center Street Grill, Cochon on 2nd, The Coffeehouse, Corner Café, Fat Canary/Cheese Shop, Food for Thought, The Fresh Market, Giuseppe’s, The Hound’s Tale, Paul’s Deli, Plaza Azteca, Sal’s by Victor, Victoria’s and Waypoint.
The event will be from 5:15-8 p.m., and also includes a bake shop and live music from Elderberry Jam.
This year, it will be held at the Williamsburg Community Chapel, located 3899 John Tyler Highway.
All funds will go toward Community of Faith’s annual operating costs, including winter emergency shelter supplies and staff.
“There are a lot of things that go into keeping the emergency shelter going,” Socha said. “Another thing we find is the need for continuity with staffing. These funds help pay for shelter managers and a part-time executive director, so our folks at the shelter can see the same faces.”
The emergency shelter runs from November to mid-March and offers meals, beds and company for those living through homelessness.
Over 30 faith groups and other community organizations partner together to help run the shelter, which is Williamsburg’s only emergency winter shelter for men, women and families.
In the past two years, the Warm Up Williamsburg soup-tasting fundraiser has brought in between $9,000 and $10,000, Socha said.
About 350 people attended last year’s fundraiser.
Friday’s fundraiser will do more than just raise money for COFM operations, Socha said.
“It’s really created the awareness in the community that yes, there are homeless people in our pretty town,” Socha said.
Reservations are required for dine-in or take-out, and tickets are $25. Tickets can be purchased at the Community of Faith Mission website or by calling 757-903-7031.
Event partners include Williamsburg Community Chapel, the Culinary Institute of Virginia and the Phoebus High School Culinary Program.
