There are sure to be heated budget discussions in the Arkansas State Capitol during the winter session, but there’s one thing proven to draw support from both sides of the aisle: a good meal for a good cause.
Kirk Bradshaw, chair of this year’s Soup Sunday for Arkansas Advocates for Children & Families (AACF), hopes his event can be one of those occasions. The Hamburg native, who splits his time between Little Rock and New York City, first became involved with AACF at the suggestion of board members and staff with whom he has close relationships. Plus, his own upbringing fuels his passion for helping children and families.
“I have a strong belief that there needs to be a nonprofit group monitoring legislation that affects children and family,” says Bradshaw. “I was one of those kids that grew up not living with my parents during high school. They both moved away from my hometown to pursue different jobs, but as a family we decided I would stay put and finish school. I lived with a neighbor and then lived with my grandmother. It all turned out fine for us, but it doesn’t always work that way. I clearly see how life could have been very different for me and that has made me very dedicated to helping groups that focus their work on issues affecting children and families going through some type of struggle.”
Getting Political
For those not intimately acquainted with the work of AACF, its mission can seem vast and daunting. The statewide nonprofit exists to ensure that all children and their families have the resources and opportunities to lead healthy and productive lives and to realize their full potential. The staff works with volunteers, advocates and policy makers to ensure current and new public policies are in the best interest of Arkansas’ children and families. As such, every nonprofit in the state that works with families or children is impacted by the research and lobbying efforts of AACF.
The fact that AACF has such an impact on so many families across the state – coupled with the fact that the organization strives to work with leaders from both parties – is what Bradshaw appreciates most about the organization. A financial advisor with Edward Jones Investments, he has an intense love of politics that dates back to Gen. Wesley Clark’s campaign.
“I agreed with a lot of what he was saying at the time, and I was willing to work for that message,” says Bradshaw. “I joined the Arkansas group that went to the primary states at the start of the 2004 Presidential election. We went door to door in New Hampshire in 15 inches of snow. Being around politics in one of those early primary states is a totally different experience. You have access to the candidates. There are volunteers, media, speeches and town-hall-style meetings everywhere. It was a fantastic American experience. I have been hooked on politics ever since.”
Today, Bradshaw focuses his volunteer efforts on organizations focused on helping children, from City Year to the Arkansas Literacy Council. His passion platform is education, which he says is the key to making sure Arkansas has a workforce that can compete.
“No matter whose research you read, all signs point to early education being a significant part of the solution to a strong community,” he says. “The good news is this state has made some significant investments in education over the past few years, including expanding access to pre-K. All the research tells us that when kids go to pre-K programs, they do better in school. They’re more likely to graduate high school and go on to college. AACF is also part of the Arkansas Campaign for Grade-Level Reading, which is a statewide effort to make sure kids read at grade level by the end of the third grade. We know if children don’t hit this important goal, they’re more likely to fall behind and sometimes not even finish.”
Rich Huddleston, executive director of AACF, also stresses the importance of greater access to strong pre-K programs and points out that every Arkansan, regardless of income, should care about the issue, as well.
“When one Arkansan does better, we all do better,” Huddleston says. “If your kids already have access to pre-K, that’s great. But if we can extend that to kids who don’t, their outcomes will be better, too. A better-educated population is good for business and the economy. It’s why companies choose to locate in Arkansas and create jobs. So, something like pre-K might seem like an education issue, but it’s really an economic issue if you think about it.”
Soup’s On
Working with statewide advocates and policymakers costs money, of course. And like all nonprofits, AACF relies on grants, corporate donations and individual donors to make their work possible. That’s why Soup Sunday is so important, says Huddleston. It’s also why AACF asked Kirk to lead it.
“Kirk first served as a volunteer by co-chairing our first annual giving event with Hannah Vogler in 2011,” he explains. “His work ethic, creativity and strategic leadership style make him a perfect fit for the role of Soup Sunday chair. We were very happy when he agreed to do it.”
The annual event is one of the city’s oldest nonprofit fundraisers. The first Soup Sunday was held in 1982, and, according to Bradshaw, ticket prices have remained the same for decades. “It is still $20 for an adult and $5 for a child to come have hot soup on a cold February afternoon. Since AACF makes ticket prices so affordable, my committee is charged with also finding sponsors, corporate donors or individual donors to make a commitment above and beyond the price of a ticket.”
In the spirit of the organization’s mission to serve families and children, Soup Sunday is truly a family event. “I’m particularly excited about this year’s theme,” noted Bradshaw. “The new logo is tied to the idea of ‘Soup Sunday Social,’ with a play on social media and technology. We plan to incorporate a great deal of technology into this year’s event, including stations where guests can access educational videos via QR codes to learn about the AACF’s work.”
This year, as in years past, the event menu features soups, breads and desserts from more than 25 Little Rock restaurants. Past restaurants include Cotham’s in the City, Chi’s Dim Sum Bistro, Acadia, Capriccio Grill, Arthur’s Steakhouse, Dave’s Place and Red Door/Loca Luna. Plus, there’s an area with kids activities, live music, and a silent auction with jewelry, pottery, kids activities and more. More than 1,000 people attended last year’s event at the Embassy Suites.
There’s also a VIP Signature Soup Room, where guests can watch VIP Chef Matt Bell prepare a signature soup. Bell is set to open his new restaurant on Main Street in The Oxford American’s building later this year. Complimentary beer, wine, bread and desserts will also be provided to VIP guests. VIP tickets, which cost $50, also allow guests into the main venue.
A successful Soup Sunday will help support a successful year for AACF. Top on the to-do list for Huddleston and crew is to “make sure the state chooses to extend Medicaid services to those who qualify under the new health care law. Economically, it’s a good deal for the state. Estimates have shown it will even save the state money.”
Saving the state money is something all Arkansans can get behind. That, and a hot cup of soup.
Soup Sunday
When: 4-7 p.m., Sunday, Feb. 17 | Where: Embassy Suites
Tickets: $20 per adult in advance, $25 at the door; $5 for children ages 5–12; $50 for VIP Signature Soup Room | Info: 371-9678
Kirk Bradshaw claims his greatest political win is “the fact that my family can talk politics at Thanksgiving and still celebrate Christmas together.” Suit from The Independent.
Bradshaw’s home is full of art and framed photos from the last 20 years. An avid traveler, he purchases a piece of local art on each trip and takes a photo that will remind him of the journey.
Bradshaw’s home is full of art and framed photos from the last 20 years. An avid traveler, he purchases a piece of local art on each trip and takes a photo that will remind him of the journey.
Bradshaw’s home is full of art and framed photos from the last 20 years. An avid traveler, he purchases a piece of local art on each trip and takes a photo that will remind him of the journey.
Kirk Bradshaw, relaxed business casual and going formal.
Kirk Bradshaw
Kirk Bradshaw