TEXARKANA, Ark. -- The Salvation Army hosted its Gladys Morris Stone Soup Luncheon on Thursday at First United Methodist Church.
The meal included taco soup, salad, toast, dessert and sweet tea. Live music was played in the background.
Attendance was close to 600 people.
The luncheon raises money for Texarkana youth programs, like the Boys and Girls Club. The annual fundraiser had been postponed for two years because of the pandemic.
"Stone Soup is for raising money for the youth of those who are involved in our shelter programs. We send them to camp. We have summer activities for them, field trips, along with supplies," Salvation Army Capt. Clara Gomez said.
Last year, The Salvation Army funded a trip for children to Camp Hoblitzelle in Midlothian, Texas. The camp holds a special place in Gomez's heart.
"I went to that camp when I was 11 years old, and I'm a product of Salvation Army and Boys and Girls Club," Gomez said. "I know what it's like to be a youth, to be in those kinds of environments where you don't usually get those opportunities to do.
The Salvation Army's Women Auxiliary started the Stone Soup Luncheon more than 35 years ago, and it has grown to be the auxiliary's most profitable event. It was named after Gladys Morris, the auxiliary's first vice president, according to The Salvation Army.
Gomez said on Monday, a grand opening is planned for the Boys and Girls Club on the Arkansas side. Proceeds from the luncheon will go toward club programs.
"My husband and I vision for those kids who are staying at our Center of Hope Shelter -- which is across the street -- (that) they have a place to go after school or during the summer," Gomez said. "It is going to be open to the community, but we have seen upward of 20 kids in one month ranging from newborn to 18 years old."
Gomez said the community has supported the luncheon.
"I'm just so thankful for the community and our Women's Auxiliary members who oversee this program. They put their heart and soul into it. We have been here nonstop cooking, opening cans, buttering toast, and they're all taking time to help," Gomez said.
Texarkana Chamber of Commerce President Denis Washington, from right, Jeff Brown, the Rev. Jaimie Alexander and Cindy Marsh serve meals during the annual Gladys Morris Stone Soup Luncheon on Thursday, April 20, 2023, at First United Methodist Church in Texarkana, Ark. The meal included taco soup, salad, toast, dessert and sweet tea. (Staff photo by Sharda James)
Texarkana community members enjoy the annual Gladys Morris Stone Soup Luncheon on Thursday, April 20, 2023, First United Methodist Church in Texarkana, Ark. The luncheon is a premier fundraiser for The Salvation Army's Women's Auxiliary. About 600 people attended. (Staff photo by Sharda James)