Newbury Soup Kitchen – Annual Fundraiser

A night to remember: The 2023 Newbury Soup Kitchen Fundraising Event

 

This year’s event, hosted at the Vineyard to benefit The Newbury Soup Kitchen, proved to be a resounding success. With 138 attendees participated in a 16-lot auction. The occasion highlighted the remarkable support, community spirit, and generosity throughout the town.

Guiding the evening was our Patron, Will Young, and the master of ceremonies, Rob Rinder MBE, who adeptly entertained the audience and encouraged generous contributions. Rinder expressed his delight in supporting the event, stating, “I’m delighted to be part of this event supporting this amazing organisation, which is at the heart of an incredible community and represents the best of who we can be.”

Commencing with a game of heads and tails, won by our dedicated volunteer Simon Tillyer, who claimed an impressive wheelbarrow of booze. The evening continued with a delicious meal at The Vineyard, generously provided by the staff who have supported our charity for years, we can’t thank them enough.

The pinnacle of the night was the auction, with some fantastic prizes donated, as well as some amazing raffle prizes donated by local companies such as Marsh Fuels, The Malverleys, Camp Hopson and The Vineyard to name a few. This shows the passion, community spirit, and generosity among those surrounding us and their commitment to the vital work we undertake.

Founded in 2017 by CEO Meryl Praill, The Newbury Soup Kitchen is dedicated to advancing food provision and outreach in the local Newbury area. Unfortunately, homelessness, food poverty, mental health issues, and evictions are escalating challenges. The support of our community and our 15 soup dragons is pivotal.

Meryl Praill CEO and founder of the Soup Kitchen said: “Will Young was incredible; Rob Rinder was our auctioneer and MC for the evening and his speech at the beginning was so appropriate and poignant.

“I am still pinching myself when I think about our charity, set up seven years ago now and now so privileged to have Will and Rob’s kindness and support is something I never dreamt of. I sometimes forget to look up and see the beauty of it, and it is beautiful. I am so thankful for our volunteers and people who help us along the way. Between us all we have created something that changes lives, and you cannot put a price on that.”

Central to the evening and the ongoing operation of the Soup Kitchen are our invaluable volunteers. Without their dedication, none of this would be possible.

Additionally, not a single contribution goes un-noticed and our current Soup Dragons, are an incredible support, they are local Newbury businesses who provide a regular donation to the Soup Kitchen. We would like to thank:

  • Newbury Investments UK
  • Manor Marketing
  • Pro Vision
  • Marsh Fuels
  • Cleanova
  • Newbury Building Society
  • Cabco Newbury
  • Gardner Leader
  • Blue Tongue Construction
  • Special Auction Savings (SAS)
  • Amusements
  • Effect Systems
  • Southern Maintenance Solutions
  • Benio: Design & Creative
  • Garner Osborne
  • High Score Newbury

To everyone who attended, our volunteers, supporters, and all who contributed to the evening’s success, we extend our heartfelt gratitude. You are the driving force behind our ability to make a meaningful impact in the community.

If you would like to get involved with the Newbury Soup, please contact us for further information. enquire@newburysoupkitchen.org.uk

 

All images courtesy of Elizabeth Vickers Photography.