E-Newsletter August 2007
 
The Downtown Evening Soup Kitchen
www.downtowneveningsoupkitchen.com
 
Upcoming Events
Dorm Tag Sale
Yale Recycling, the Yale College Council, Yale Hunger and Homelessness Action Project, and the Yale Hunger Heroes will host D.E.S.K.’s annual Tag Sale on Friday, August 31 and Saturday, September 1, from 9:00 a.m. to noon, at the D.E.S.K. dinning hall (311 Temple St, New Haven). All proceeds directly benefit D.E.S.K.
 
This is the perfect going-back-to-school sale—futons, lamps, furniture, shelving, and more will all be available!
 
Songs from the Heart
Come on Sunday, September 9, from 7:00 to 7:30 p.m. for an evening cabaret performance by Marie Robert at CHOW (966 Chapel St, New Haven). Tickets will be $20, and all proceeds will benefit the Downtown Evening Soup Kitchen.
 
For tickets, please contact Marie (marierobert@mac.com).
 
Ride to End Hunger
D.E.S.K. would like to welcome People’s United Bank as the Ride to End Hunger’s corporate sponsor! Thank you to all the great folks at People’s United Bank, Century Tower (New Haven), especially Joel, Kathy, Melina, Jane, Ruth, Shawna, Bill, Donna, and Irene.
 
The second annual Ride to End Hunger is a 62-mile, police-escorted charity motorcycle ride that benefits the Downtown Evening Soup Kitchen of New Haven. The money raised through the event enables D.E.S.K. to continue its mission of feeding the hungry in the greater New Haven area. All are invited to attend, even those who do not plan to participate in the ride!
 
Registration will begin at 9:00 a.m. on Sunday, September 16 in the Sports Haven (600 Long Wharf Drive, New Haven) parking lot, which is located off I-95. The price for a single rider is $25 and a double rider costs $35, while non-riders may register for $10. The registration fee includes a 1:00 p.m. BBQ lunch and raffle at Stillwater American Bistro (http://www.stillwateramericanbistro.com). Complimentary canoe rides at Stillwater American Bistro will also be available for registered participants, thanks to the generosity of the Elms City Parks Conservatory.
 
Please see the Ride to End Hunger website (http://www.ridetoendhunger.com) for more information and a route map.
 
Zombie Fest
This fall, get ready for an event that New Haven has never seen before! Debuting in October, the New Haven Zombie Fest, which is sponsored in part by The Advocate and Magic Hat and, will collect nonperishable food items for D.E.S.K. More details will soon be announced.
 
Quick Notes
Renovations Complete
Renovations at D.E.S.K.’s central kitchen are now complete, and the kitchen is again fully operational. D.E.S.K. would like to thank Julie Savin (Livable City Initiative, City of New Haven), John Anderson (Chef Equipment Co.), and Fred Johnson (architect) for all their guidance and support throughout the project. Without their help, the renovation project would not have been possible!
 
D.E.S.K. would also like to extend a special thanks to United Church for graciously granting the use of its kitchen throughout the lengthy renovation. A new steamer was installed with the help of Dominic Raiano and Gennaro Germe, and it will no doubt prove a great addition to the central kitchen. Many thanks to those who helped raise the money for this wonderful new piece of equipment.

Reflections on the Summer
During July and August, D.E.S.K. provided record-breaking numbers of evening meals and pantry supplies. July also saw the youngest documented guest at a D.E.S.K. evening meal—just four days old! The newborn’s visit underscores the fact that children are D.E.S.K.’s fastest growing population.
 
August was a month of regrouping for D.E.S.K. The scaling down of operations has helped D.E.S.K. prepare for autumn, which tends to be very hectic. It has also given us time to welcome and train new Operations Assistant and Evening Coordinator Ken West. Ken brings many wonderful skills to the D.E.S.K. team.
 
Current Needs
A Note from the Chef
We are currently in great need of the following items:
 
    Adobo (we need much of this!)
    Black pepper
    Italian seasoning
    Butter
    Whole milk
    Fresh yellow onions (for stews)
    Pop-top soup cans (i.e. those which do not require a can opener)
    Canned corn (for stews)
    Crushed red pepper
    Dried onion
    Garlic powder
    Garlic salt
 
Please contact Jeanne May (JeanneMarieMay@aol.com) for more information.
 
Thanksgiving 2007
Thanksgiving is quickly approaching! Please contact Jeanne (JeanneMarieMay@aol.com) if you are interested in organizing food drives, scheduling a group, or getting involved in our biggest and busiest week of the year. Please keep in mind: both days and evenings during the week of Thanksgiving are generally the times of greatest need, while the day of Thanksgiving is the day when we least need volunteers! Shifts of 15 to 20 people are needed Monday through Wednesday, and we will need a group to serve the meal on Wednesday night before Thanksgiving.
 
To volunteer or to obtain more information, please email (do not call) Jeanne (JeanneMarieMay@aol.com).
 
Toilets
D.E.S.K. is still in need of two new porcelain toilets. Please contact dianamrichter@aol.com if you can help.
 
Information
Emergency Food Council
The Downtown Evening Soup Kitchen is a member of the Emergency Food Council of Connecticut. Visit our website at www.emergencyfoodcouncil.com.
 
Food Donations
Drop off donations at 311 Temple Street between 1:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m., Sunday through Thursday, or call the kitchen (203-772-3400).
 
Volunteer Opportunities
Contact Jeanne (JeanneMarieMay@aol.com), and she’ll find something for you to do anytime from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., Sunday through Thursday. Remember: D.E.S.K. accepts all community service volunteers, and youth groups are also welcome!
 
Removal from E-Newsletter List
To be removed from the E-Newsletter mailing list, please email webmaster@downtowneveningsoupkitchen.com.
 
Contact D.E.S.K.
Diana M. Richter
Executive Director
P.O. Box 1478
New Haven, CT 06506
Phone: 203-624-6426
Fax: 203-624-2116
dianamrichter@aol.com