New Bethany Ministries' Souper Day is the agency's biggest fundraiser each year. Over 30 attended in October and listened to expressions of hope as well as testimony from those for whom the agency's programs and housing were life altering. Each diner enjoyed a soup and salad buffet for lunch. Supported by individuals, churches and businesses, 100 percent of the funding earned from Souper Day will be used for programming according to board president Neal Koplin.

The Right Rev. C. Hopeton Clennon, senior pastor at Central Moravian Church, gave the keynote address to the assembly. "Your donations make a tremendous contribution to an organization that provides hope," declared Clennon, and "you are the voice of joy, hope and triumph."

Jeelani Flores and Andre Williams provided testimony and encouragement by relating their experiences with New Bethany Ministries' housing and support programs assistance. Each was able to report on successful lifestyle transitions. Flores said, "this program got me on the right track" and Williams called New Bethany "a place to get your life back straight."

Koplin called the fundraiser "critical for New Bethany Ministries." Executive Director Diane Elliott pointed out that the agency had already experienced a 29 percent increase in demand during 2013.

The fundraiser was held at the Event Center at Blue, which underwrote the luncheon expenses.