“Stone Soup,” FESS’ Seeds of Hope soup luncheon fundraiser

Enjoy an hour of laughter, hope and maybe a few tears at the Seeds of Hope soup luncheon. Money raised supports Family Education and Support Services (FESS) programs that aid the many families struggling to meet basic needs in Thurston, Lewis, Mason and Pierce counties. This year’s theme will be “Stone Soup,” and will include a retelling of the folktale about how working together as a community benefits everyone. Other highlights are a speech by Thurston County Superior Cour Judge Sharonda D. Amamilo, the first judge of color in the county, and a mother sharing her experiences with FESS’ Parent-Child Assistance Program, which supports moms overcoming substance abuse.

Money raised goes to FESS’ unrestricted programs, including the Basic Needs Program that helps with such expenses as move-in costs, utilities and diapers. Among other programs getting a boost will be its Kinship Navigator Program, which supports extended families who are raising the children of relatives. FESS assistance includes such items as emergency rental and utility aid and help with necessities like children’s school supplies and clothing.

If you would like for your lunch served in an authentic ceramic bowl, or your bread on a special bread plate, both made just for this event, upgrade your ticket to do so — and you get to take it home with you. For an additional upgrade, you can choose which item you would like rather than taking the next item available. Supplies are limited.