This weekend, the 34th incarnation of the annual Soup Sunday event will take place to benefit the Arkansas Advocates for Children and Families. The AACF’s primary focus is to provide information on and fight for policies that affect Arkansas families.
Soup Sunday, the AACF’s primary fundraising event, is an evening of soups, breads and sweets from some of Little Rock’s finest and favorite restaurants. They’re even moving venues this year to the Statehouse Convention Center to make room for goodies. We caught up with this year’s Soup Sunday chair, Molly McGowan to learn more about the organization and it’s most popular event.
Soirée: What exactly does AACF do? How has it impacted you?
Molly McGowan: Arkansas Advocates for Children and Families works to make sure all children and their families have the resources and opportunities to lead healthy and productive lives, and to realize their full potential. They really serve as a much-needed voice for children at the State Capitol. Kids don’t usually have high-powered lobbyists, so that’s where AACF comes in. They do research about what policies are best for kids – like pre-K and health programs like ARKids First – and they organize coalitions of diverse groups to drive change.
I am impressed by AACF’s ability to unite people for a common cause and for their good work day in and day out on behalf of children and families everywhere. AACF works hard to make Arkansas a better place to live, work and raise a family for all of our state’s people.
S: What is AACF’s greatest need?
MM: AACF works hard to make sure our state’s children and families’ needs are taken care of – that our kids have a strong education system, that children across Arkansas have access to quality health coverage. Soup Sunday is their main fundraiser every year, so the money raised at the event goes towards their research, their outreach and their work at the Capitol.
S: Tell us all about Soup Sunday.
MM: Soup Sunday is a great event! It’s one of Little Rock’s longest-running fundraisers. This year it will be held at a new location, the Statehouse Convention Center. Guests can enjoy a lot of different soups, bread and desserts from over 35 local restaurants. It’s family-oriented, fun and a unique way to try out new restaurants and some of your old favorites as well! There will also be a silent auction, games and crafts for children and live music from the Big John Miller Band! People of all ages are sure to have a splendid time at the 34th Annual Soup Sunday. It’s a wonderful, laid back atmosphere where people can have fun with their friends and families, and we hope to see you there!
Soup Sunday 2015 is this Sunday, Feb. 8, from 4-7 pm at the Statehouse Convention Center. To find out more or to register for Soup Sunday, click here. You can learn all about AACF and how to get involved on their website.