“Soupline” luncheon on May 10 will raise funds to aid the needy in King County.
SEATTLE – The Salvation Army Northwest Division announced today Seattle Sounders FC Head Coach Sigi Schmid will present the keynote speech at its annual fund-raising Soupline luncheon. The event, set for Tuesday, May 10, 2011, at The Grand Hyatt in Downtown Seattle, will raise funds to help the hungry, homeless and hopeless in King County.
Sigi Schmid was named the first head coach of Seattle Sounders FC in 2008, and is recognized as one of the most successful coaches in MLS history. Since 1999, Schmid’s teams have won six major titles, including two MLS Cups. He is the most successful active coach in MLS history and a two-time coach of the year. Before joining the Sounders, he guided the Columbus Crew to both their first MLS Cup and Supporters’ Shield (best regular season point total), earning MLS Coach of the Year. Now, in the team’s third season, the Seattle Sounders FC continue to lead the league in season ticket holders and will cap its base at 32,000 with an overall seating capacity of 35,500.
In addition to the keynote speech by Mr. Schmid, the Soupline program will include an update on the work of The Salvation Army throughout the county, and a heart-warming story of a life changed by The Army. Plus, the event will feature the much-anticipated announcement of this year’s recipient of The Salvation Army Arthur S. Langlie Award for Visionary Leadership. Brian Calvert, Seattle TV and radio host, will emcee the event.
The term “Soupline” originated during the Great Depression, when lines of hungry people waited outside of Salvation Army kitchens for a bowl of hot soup. Throughout the country’s most desolate times, The Salvation Army has often provided the daily source of nutrition for the masses.
Soupline is expected to earn at least $225,000, which will help support Salvation Army programs in King County – including after-school homework centers and youth athletic leagues, rent/utility assistance, homeless shelters, disaster relief services, summer camps for kids, shelters for battered women and children, and substance abuse rehabilitation, and more.
Sponsorships of Soupline 2011 are currently available at various financial levels. To date, top-tier sponsors include the Fred Meyer Fund, The Boeschoten Foundation, Jackie and Pierre Gehlen, Scott and Laura Beth Peterson, and University Mechanical Contractors.
Individual invitations to the event are still available. There is no charge for attending the event, but guests are expected to make a donation to The Salvation Army. For information about sponsorships and/or individual invitations, please contact Michele Meyers at 206-217-1281.
