The East Boston Community Soup Kitchen held a Hope on the Home Stretch Gala Fundraiser to End Hunger on Saturday, Oct. 4 at the City Winery in Boston.
The many guests enjoyed food, drinks, and music, and bidding on some amazing auction prizes such as trips to international destinations.
Rep. Adrian Madaro, a member of the board at the East Boston Soup Kitchen, excelled in his role as master of ceremonies for the speaking program.
“We want to make sure that we take the time to really celebrate and honor the work that the East Boston Community Soup Kitchen does each and every week in our community and the thousands of people that they have served over the years,” said Madaro.
Madaro recognized the board members and employees in attendance. “It is not easy to do this work. And it takes a lot of blood, sweat, tears, energy and commitment, and the employees, staff, and board do an exceptional job serving our community. On behalf of the East Boston community, I salute you and on behalf of the East Boston community and all the folks you serve, I thank you,” said Madaro.
Madaro credited Sandra Nijjar, founder, president, and executive director of the East Boston Community Soup Kitchen, who approached him in 2016 with a “novel and exciting idea” to start a soup kitchen in the community.
“We had never had a soup kitchen like this in East Boston,” related Madaro. “But Sandra had a vision to put together a soup kitchen to celebrate the compassion, the hope, and to address a significant need in our community around food insecurity.”
The East Boston Soup Kitchen now serves more than 600 households weekly, distributing food, warm clothing, hygiene items, and offering essential services like housing aid and addiction recovery.
Boston District 1 City Councilor Gabriela Coletta Zapata, a strong advocate in the cause to stop hunger and assist the homeless, joined other dignitaries and community leaders in supporting the outstanding organization led by Nijjar.
“I’m so happy to be here to celebrate East Boston Soup Kitchen’s tenth anniversary,” said Coletta Zapata. “To Sandra, I want to say congratulations to you and the entire staff.”
Sen. Lydia Edwards, also a prominent advocate in the fight to stop hunger, delivered an uplifting message to the assemblage on video in which she commended Nijjar and the staff and volunteers for their service to the community.
Opera singer Sonja Tenglebad performed at the gala followed by the band, You Think Were Models, who electrified the audience with its unique musical presentation.