Hundreds of people gathered at the Holiday Inn in Countryside for the 12th Annual Soup and Bread fundraiser to benefit BEDS Plus, a nonprofit organization that helps people experiencing homeless and those at risk of homelessness in the southwest suburbs.
“All these people aren’t here just for a bowl of soup. No, they’re actually here for a wonderful event,” said The Works Pizzeria & Tavern owner Arzie Balovski.
They served up comfort food in an effort to comfort the community.
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“We provide meals for people who are in our shelter. They sit at tables together with strangers, volunteers, staff and clients and so, we wanted to recreate that,” said BEDS Plus Chief Executive Officer Tina Rounds.
Frank Clarke, an attendee and volunteer for Sunday’s event, said Beds Plus has helped his family in the past.
“They help people. No matter who you are – what race, what creed – they don’t make any difference,” Clarke said.
Balovski and her husband are the owners of The Works Pizzeria & Tavern in Summit, one of the dozens of local restaurants, bars and breweries that donated food and drinks to the fundraiser.